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Volume 14, Number 7 Saturday, April 8, 2017

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Clean-up in wake of Cyclone Debbie continues while Rockhampton braces for high tide

• Residents dump possessions in a pile destroyed in floodwaters at Logan. Photo: ABC News: Candice Prosser.

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From the Publisher WELCOME to April issue of Brisbane Indian Times, first of all, wishing you all the very best for Hindu New Year “Vikram Smarat” and Ram Naumi. This year I personally could not attend any of the celebrations myself, had a bit of a health scare, so against my wishes had to stay put. On that note, I would like to thank everyone for respecting our privacy during the trying times. I really appreciate all the concerns and well wishes, so many people said they prayed for my wellbeing, really means a lot to me.

Though the operation was planned, the chain of events was not. An operation that would normally take four to five hours took nine and half hours on the operating table, the triple bypass ended up being six bypasses.

The operation took place on a Wednesday and I did not fully regain consciousness until the Sunday Morning. I would like to thank Dr Andrew Clarke and the staff at Holy Spirit Hospital in Chermside for the very professional treatment. Well, it is now over and I would like to think that I am on the path to recovery, slowly but surely. Just to put things in context, I have been battling with these conditions for a while now, my planned weight loss program had begun just because of this situation, well there is so much we can do and then there are things beyond our control, things like our genes. I had been soldiering on as if nothing had happened and remained positive throughout the ordeal. I would like people to remember me for another thing than just the guy with the health problems, so it’s time to move on.

Congratulations to Divya Jyothi Jagriti Sansthan for another successful Bharatiya Navwarsh celebration, though I could not be present there in person, I was there in spirit and our support, as usual, was there. It is

pleasing to see that many organizations are forward planning their activities for the year.

This helps others plan and organize their functions without clashing dates. We all like to attend all the functions but when there are two functions at the same time it makes it hard.

Wedding season is here and congratulations are in order for many couples tying the knot in coming weeks and month. With so many weddings once again it becomes a tough balancing act to fit all in.

On the media front, Brisbane Indian Times and Australian India Radio are proud to be associated with Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games press operations. 5th of April marked exactly one year to go. We will bring regular updates on the press briefing as we go along. One of the realities that we live with, in this part of the world is the floods, Queensland and Northern New South Wales have been subject to massive flooding again, levels like never seen before, there are many fundraising activities being arranged for the flood victims, please donate generously to the worthy cause, State and Federal Governments assisted by other charities are all gearing up to provide relief assistance to all the victims, especially the ones who don’t have insurance cover. Insurance cover for floods is getting very hard to get and if you manage to get a policy, you will find a lot of exclusions in the fine print. The factor is the high cost of such a policy, I just wish that the insurance companies will look at the situation in an ethical and moral aspect as opposed to just as a business proposition.

Until next Month, Happy reading Umesh Chandra

BIT MAY 2017 DEADLINES 28 April 2017 Email: sales@indiantimes.com.au.

Editorial / Photo Submissions prod@indiantimes.com.au

Inside • Letters to the Editor........................2 • Migration Matters............................4 • Local News..................................5-27

Indian Times Brisbane

Published Monthly OWNERS / PUBLISHERS: Umesh & Usha Chandra ADVERTISING: Sugandh Chaturvedi sales@indiantimes.com.au EDITOR:

Trudi Tarres

• Who, What, Where, When.....28 & 30 • Health & Well Being................34-38 • Astrology...........................................38 • Real Estate................................39-43 • Business Directory/Classified.......44-45 • What’s On................................46-51 • Bollywood & Entertainment...52-53 • Sport............................................54-55 2 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, April, 2017

JOURNALIST/ CORRESPONDENTS Ram Jattan (UK) Thakur Ranjit Singh (NZ) Thilliar Varnakulasingham (NZ) Shalendra Prasad (Fiji) Dhaval Vyas (India) Rama Gaind (Canberra) ML. M. Nawaaz Ashrafi Imam Muhammad Aslam Sundar Gopal Das Yadavendra Das Pastor Joseph Dass

A D i v isi on of Ql d Mul tic ul tur al T i me s

Haji Abdul Rahman Deen Janeth Deen /Jitendra Deo Celine Goh / Jatinder Kaur Nimisha Modi Ranjita Pillai (Immigration Matters) Peter Lane Rai Awadhesh Sharma Gurjeet Singh / Ravi Vastrad Suite 1, 2281 Sandgate Road Boondall Qld 4034 PH: (07) 3865 6533 Fax: (07) 3865 5864 E-MAIL: prod@indiantimes.com.au Subscriptions: 12 months $40.00 (incl GST) 6 months $24.00 (incl GST)

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Brisbane Indian Times is a monthly newspaper published in English. No material, including advertisements designed by Brisbane Indian Times, may be reproduced in part or who without the written consent of the manager. Opinions carried in Brisbane Indian Times are those of the writers and not necessarily endorsed by Brisbane Indian Times.

Brisbane Indian Times will not be held liable for any advertising / editorial content - Advertisers supply/approve content therefore should any content be deemed inappropriate it is the advertisers responsibility. While every effort has been made to capture the true likeness to colour printing is an art and therefore we cannot guarantee an exact matching of product to image. Refund / Credit is not given as a result of the previous mentioned.

All correspondence should be addressed to: Brisbane Indian Times, PO Box 197, Taigum Qld 4018.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, April, 2017 — 3

Skilled migration changes in Western Australia - how do they affect you?

• Photo: Brian Sullivan.

IF you are thinking of relocating to Perth in Western Australia with a permanent employer sponsored visa, you may have to think again and make alternative plans. The State has recently announced a major shake-up when it comes to the visa pathways for foreign workers.

Following the recent State Election, Labour’s Mark McGowan was sworn in as Premier, after nine years of Liberal government. The new Premier swiftly implemented a major election promise – putting a temporary hold on regional certification and requesting the Prime Minister to remove Perth postcodes from the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS), through which a Subclass 187 Visa may be approved.

Further, a concurrent review of the Western Australian Skilled Migration Occupation List (WASMOL) will also affect the 190 Skilled Nominated visa, and the 489 Skilled Regional Provisional visa.

Ostensibly, the Premier’s aim is to provide more employment opportunities to Western Australians and ensure that their job needs are prioritised. However, the flow-on effect could see Western Australia losing billions of dollars in education exports. A significant number of international students choose to study in Perth because of Perth’s historical ability to offer concessional permanent resi-

dency pathways. Without that attraction, they may turn to other States or even different countries.

Mr McGowan said he had reviewed the list of skilled occupations and has promised some extensive cutbacks in what he sees as non-essential roles. Nearly 5,000 foreign workers were hired in the state in 2015-16 under the RSMS scheme. That figure includes regional Western Australia, which would not be affected by Mr McGowan's proposed changes.

Previously lodged Subclass 187 visa applications which are currently being processed should also be unaffected. But anyone who has not applied yet could be out of luck, if the Federal Government supports the Premier’s request to scale back the scheme.

Although working and settling in Perth may no longer be an option for you, other areas of Australia are eager for skilled workers.

If you would like to find out more about visa options, visit www.emergico.com and complete our famous questionnaire or please call our friendly team on 3861 0726 to make an appointment for a free consultation with one of our experienced migration experts. We have over 60 years combined experience and are looking forward to helping your dreams of living in Australia to become a reality.

GOPIO Women’s Council celebrated International Women’s Day Courtesy GOPIO Women’s Council GOPIO’s Women’s Council held an empowering event to celebrate the International Women’s Day. The celebration of women saw both genders attend as well great key note speakers that included Honorable Jennifer Howard - Assistant Minister of State Assisting the Premier, Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale, who is an honorary member of GOPIO and Mel Adams - Inspector Southern Patrol Group, Ipswich District, Sirle Adamson – Founder UPOWER LEADERSHIP PROGRAM, Vinita Khushal - Accredited Family, Law Specialist and Amitha Jaggessar – President of The Diversity With Harmony.

The Chair of the Women’s Council Pushpa Bakshi, spoke about women who want to take or have to take control of their lives, have self-respect, be empowered and to em-

power those in their environment. She stated that in today’s society, many human beings have forgotten how being a human is. The speakers shared vibrant information as well as personal experiences that the audience could relate to.

The Mayor, as always, is a huge supporter of community work and welcomed this event being held in Ipswich.

The event saw women register for 3 more active workshops that will be held through the year with Coaching/mentoring support around professional and personal development, health and well-being as well as call to action by setting goals of the heart whilst creating abundance in your lives.

If you interested in becoming a part of this amazing opportunity, please do email your EOI to pushpabakshi88@gmail.com or call on 0450 582 540.

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Message from the Prime Minister

EASTER 2017 EASTER is the most important day in the Christian year, a time of celebration, hope, and renewal.

For many Australians, regardless of faith, Easter is an opportunity to spend valuable time with family and friends.

It is also a time to help those who are less fortunate, as we are reminded of our shared responsibility to love, to serve, and to forgive one another.

Australia is the most successful multicultural society in the world. This success is founded on shared values of mutual respect, and a strong belief in freedom of diversity.

One of our country’s great strengths is the mutual respect that we share for each other We are greatly enriched by our diversity of faiths, cultural backgrounds, and races.

To all celebrating Easter this year, I hope you have a safe and peaceful holiday, together with the people you love.

The Hon. Malcolm Turnbull MP Prime Minister

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, April, 2017 — 5

Clean-up in wake of Cyclone Debbie continues while Rockhampton braces for high tide From page 1 APRIL 3, 2017: As Queensland's informal "Mud Army" pitches in again to help clean up south-east communities in the wake of excyclone Debbie, the state's beef capital is bracing for flooding.

The damage bill for Cyclone Debbie's trail of destruction in Queensland is expected to run into the billions of dollars, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk saying it would be a few weeks before the final cost.

"I mean, undoubtedly, this has had a huge impact right across this state, we've got roads down, we've got bridges down, we've got families that have lost everything," Ms Palaszczuk said.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Katarina Carroll said 76 houses were uninhabitable in south-east Queensland, with almost 1000 assessments completed, but the number of destroyed properties was expected to rise.

"This will dramatically increase in the next couple of days, probably by another 250, 300, it's just that we're having accessibility problems to those houses that are still in floodwaters," Ms Carroll said.

There were more than 580 uninhabitable properties in central and north Queensland.

A total of 3500 SES tasks were completed out of 6000, and 166 water rescues over the past 10 days.

Across Queensland, 300 schools needed repair work.

There were still 1100 homes without power in south-east Queensland and 21,500 without power in north Queensland.

Ms Palaszczuk, who planned to visit Proserpine and Airlie Beach, said it would take "some time" to get power restored to remote communities.

She said it was an incredibly difficult time for many.

"But what we are seeing is neighbours help-

ing neighbours, we are seeing communities working together as one to help lift the spirits of people that have been so so impacted by this most recent event," she said.

Scenic Rim Mayor Greg Christensen said it would take time to rebuild.

"But we're resilient and we will bounce back and that is the Queensland way and it is certainly the Scenic Rim way," he said.

Agriculture Minister Bill Byrne said the sugarcane industry estimated it would experience losses up to $150 million.

At Bowen, farmers lost early winter vegetable planting, representing a lost income of $100 million, plus the costs of planting, while mango farms received damage that would impact on production next year.

There was also damage to farm equipment, roads, bridges, fences and pastures.

In Logan, about 200 people had been through the Beenleigh evacuation centre for help.

Many lost priceless memories, furniture, clothing, cars, food and homes.

Even things John Egan and Alishea Walsh thought they had saved had to be thrown out when they started growing mould.

A few baby items, for little Braxton, and the clothes on their backs were almost all they had left.

"We watched his toy box just float off," Mr Egan said.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull visited residents in the flood-ravaged Logan suburb of Eagleby as emergency services continued cleaning up.

Mr Turnbull said he was committed to replacing damaged infrastructure with more flood-proof buildings.

"These are record flood events so we're going to have to be better prepared for the next one because clearly this will be repeated," he said.

At Luscombe, on the Gold Coast, a house was washed away, just minutes after a family

was rescued from its roof.

Had it happened 15 to 20 minutes earlier, an SES boat would still have been roped to the house, a mother and two children on the roof, and an older man and two dogs trapped on the verandah.

SES volunteer Chris Holloway said the family was stranded for a few hours before they were rescued from the swollen Albert River.

"We're watching the sun come up and then the house breaks free, smashing into another house and then just completely self-destructs on trees all the way down the river," he said.

Opposition Leader Tim Nicholls visited Gleneagle, near Beaudesert, on Monday and said it was probably a "wise call" to again close schools on Friday, considering the flooding in the south-east and that many towns up north were still without power.

In Rockhampton, the Fitzroy River is expected to peak at nine metres on Wednesday, just below the level during the 2011 floods (9.2 metres).

Rockhampton Mayor Margaret Strelow said the downgraded prediction, down from an earlier predicted 9.4 metres, meant a huge difference to the number of affected properties in Queensland's beef capital.

"We would expect probably over 200, maybe 215 properties, will have water over the floorboards," she told the ABC. The Rockhampton Airport was closed and Councillor Tony Williams said temporary barriers would protect 400 homes in north Rockhampton.

Many residents in the flood-prone suburb of Depot Hill, known locally as "swampies", were spending Monday moving their belongings to higher ground, but many were staying.

"Nah I won't go anywhere, I've got everything I need: milk, bread, beer. We'll be right," resident Zac Moss told AAP, pointing out his kayak he planned to use once the roads flooded.

Many locals planned to use small boats to travel to the local Fitzroy Hotel when they could, which was keeping a supply of milk and bread as well as drinks.

Publican Tiona McGugian took over running the hotel at the start of March, and planned to live in the pub, which could see water up to its floorboards.

"We'll stay and rough it out, every other publican that's run the place has done it, so I'll give it a crack," Ms McGugian said.

Baked Relief has risen to the occasion again, providing sweet treats to people cleaning up, launching in Lismore and Logan.

The social media-organised phenomenon came to prominence during the 2011 Queensland floods, when Danielle Crismani utilised Twitter to get people baking food for strangers coping with the clean-up efforts.

Charity GIVIT has delivered more than 14,000 items statewide and expected that number to skyrocket, with food, clothing and cleaning equipment high on the wish list.

Queensland Health warned people to avoid water activities in creeks and rivers throughout the south-east due to sewage overflows.

Waterways including the lower reaches of the Brisbane and Logan rivers and water around Moreton Bay and the Sunshine Coast were among those to be avoided.

"Gastroenteritis, lung infections, dermatitis, wound infections and infections of the eyes, ears, nose, throat and skin can occur if people come into contact with sewage-impacted waterways," Dr Heidi Carroll, from Queensland Health said.

"If you're thinking about boating, fishing or rowing, particularly in the Brisbane and Logan rivers, please wait at least a week after floodwaters have receded."

- Felicity Caldwell, Jorge Branco, Cameron Atfield, Rachel Clun, AAP

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, April, 2017 — 7

Promoting respectful relationships to young people, critical to stopping violence against women MULTICULTURAL media and community representatives came together at the SBS national office in Sydney to hear more about the confronting Stop it at the Start campaign to reduce violence against women and their children.

The campaign targets the disrespectful attitudes and behaviours that adults might dismiss or ignore in young people, often without realising it.

A key part of the campaign is educating ‘influencers’ within the community – such as parents, family members, teachers, sports coaches, community leaders and employers – to reflect on their own beliefs and behaviours, then have conversations with young people.

These individuals play a crucial role in supporting the campaign and getting the message out to the community.

Lawyer, advocate and campaign supporter Pallavi Sinha had this message for the community: “In my role, I’m passionate about providing information and services that get positive outcomes for everyone, and this campaign does just that,” she said.

“Sometimes I’ve ignored disrespectful comments, thinking ‘that’s just how kids talk’. But this language is never ok, it’s just an excuse.

“We need to stop ignoring disrespectful behaviour or making excuses for it - because when we do, we let it grow. We need to take action

now.”

A range of in-language and adapted resources for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities can be found on the campaign website.

Resources include: • Poster, brochure, infographic and animation - with campaign information.

• Respecting women and girls (Conversation Guide) to help parents and family members talk with young people about the importance of respectful relationships from an early age.

• From Left to Right: Pallavi Sinha – Lawyer, Former People of Australia Ambassador & Campaign For more information, such Supporter, Janice Petersen – SBS World News Presenter, Kathy O’Donoghue – Executive Director, as the copy of research, Kantar Public, Cathie Kennedy – Director of Communication, Department of Social Services. backgrounder, frequently asked questions and other information about the issue please visit www.respect.gov.au

Brisbane International sets new benchmark for Rotarians Courtesy Abdul Azam

LORD MAYOR’S MULTICULTURAL BUSINESS DINNER AND AWARDS 2017

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8 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, April, 2017

An initiative of

ONE could be forgiven if they thought the Rotary Club of Brisbane International (RCBI) has been around for a while. Such was the grandeur surrounding the club which was officially chartered at the District 9630 conference held at the Jupiters Casino at the Gold Coast on the 4th-5th March 2017.

The phenomenal manner in which this club is growing is nothing short of outstanding and it continues to forge ahead in its efforts to serve humanity. You may recall in an earlier edition of Brisbane Indian Times that a group of like-minded and like hearted individuals were brought together in May 2016, all from the tiny island of Fiji, under the banner of the Rotary Organisation. This was the brainchild of Mr Jitendra Prasad, a well-respected accountant in Brisbane and himself a Rotarian since 1987. It was his dream to form an alliance with the local based Fijians living in Brisbane, and use it for the greater good locally and overseas.

The group, originally called the Rotary Club of Brisbane Fiji was formally inducted in July 2016, under the umbrella of the Rotary Club of Wishart. This name was then changed to the Rotary Club of Brisbane International to reflect the true and embracing nature synonymous to Rotary which is nonpolitical and non-religious. The club is not be restricted to people of Fijian background only and in fact already has a member from The Nederlands.

Since its inception as a Satellite club, RCBI has been involved in a lot of projects. However, the one project where they have taken the opportunity to form an alliance with another charitable organisation (Rosies) to feed the homeless on a monthly basis in Woodridge has been well received across the

www.indiantimes.com.au

board. The chartering of the club at a district level and at a district conference is historic and it is understood that the club has captured the attention of other Rotary Clubs as well as Rotary International. This is no minor feat and it definitely deserves appropriate recognition.

However, this was never the intention of RCBI as it continues to go about its business in serving humanity. The club is continually looking for like-minded people to join hands and be part of this very exciting opportunity, endeavouring to lend a hand to build communities and bridge continents, make dreams a reality for the less fortunate and more importantly save lives and make a difference.

Please contact Membership Director Arun Raniga on 0403 301 337: President Elect Raj Padarath on 0434 023 240: PR Director Abdul Azam on 0413 503 436: President Jitendra Prasad on 0402 422 777 to discuss how you could assist and be part of the Rotary Club of Brisbane International.

Call 07 3865 6533

Moving for Love - the pathway to be with your partner SOME say home is where your heart is, whether it may be New Delhi, Brisbane, Mumbai, Melbourne, Chennai, or Sydney.

But it may also be argued that there is no better to place to call home than that of the loving embrace of your Partner. Are you currently in a relationship and wanting your lifelong partner to settle in Australia together with you? We here at Migration Guru can guide you through the stressful and complex Partner visa application process.

Partner visas allows for Australian visas to be granted for the married and de facto partners (including same sex relationships) of Australian Citizens, Australian Permanent Residents and eligible New Zealand citizens to enter and remain permanently in Australia.

Broadly speaking there are two types of Partner Visas. Both allow for the temporary entry of your partner into Australia, however, the Prospective Marriage visa applies to that of an intended fiancé whilst the Partner Visa applies to married couples or those in de facto partner relationships.

With both types of Partner visa applications there are unexpected pit falls and traps that may land you in sticky situation. Two main pitfalls and traps to look out for during a Partner visa application include: the hidden costs involved and the evidence required to show your relationship is genuine and continuing.

There is no denying that you may be taken aback by the upfront visa application fee. At almost $7000, Partner visa applications fees are amongst the most expensive visas in Australia. Factor in the hidden but necessary requirements such as the police clearance certificates (for both Australia and any country you have lived in for more than 12 months), medical examinations and other associated costs, it is vital that you speak to professionals who can provide you with the correct advice so you get it right the first time.

The other pitfall to look out for is the evi-

dentiary requirement to prove your relationship is “genuine and continuing”. Whilst you and your partner may feel that there is no question as to the authenticity of your relationship, the Department may (and will) think otherwise if the appropriate evidence is not supplied. It is crucial throughout the long visa process (which typically takes up to 20 months) to continually show the relationship progressing with strong evidence of commitment along the way. Due to the lengthy process of the Partner visa application, it is easy to forget to update the Department of your relationship. In addition, it must be noted that the evidence you don't provide is as crucial as the evidence you do provide.

The Immigration Department can and will cross check information on public records, social media posts and contact family members to comment on the relationship.

With many other pitfalls and hurdles to overcome during a Partner visa application, it is best to seek professional advice before you apply. If you would like to apply for a Partner visa, and are unsure if you can meet the requirements, please visit us in our offices to obtain further information.

Migration Guru has assisted a vast number of clients for more than 13 years. We have more than 50 years of collective experience in the industry and a team of Migration Agents / Solicitors. With our vast experience and skills, we are able to provide accurate migration or legal advice based on our clients’ personal circumstances. Our team may be contacted by via email or call 07 3036 3800. Follow us on Facebook for all the updates to Migration Law https://www.facebook.com/migrationguru/ Migration Guru Pty Ltd, Level 18 & 22, 127 Creek Street, Brisbane, QLD. Phone: 07 3036 3800 MARN 0324607, 1384452, 1175591, 1382609, 1467661 & 1466522

www.migrationguru.com.au Disclaimer:- The above article constitutes only generic information on migration issues, and does not constitute specific migration advice to any entity or individual.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, April, 2017 — 9

The Federation of Indian Communities of Queensland Inc. - proud to host successful reception for the new Indian High Commissioner

Dr Indrani Ganguly ON Monday, 20th March 2017, the Federation of Indian Communities of Queensland Inc. (FICQ) hosted a very successful Queensland Indian community welcome to the new High Commissioner of India to Australia, His Excellency Dr Ajay M. Gondane with dinner at Yashraj Indian Restaurant. The event was attended by over 70 people from the member organisations, patrons, community leaders, business representatives and their families.

The MC was Mr Jim Varghese, patron and long-time supporter of FICQ. The evening began with Mr Navin Kumar, Festival Coordinator advising attendees that the 2017 Diwali festival would be in held in King George Square on 6 October. The Diwali festival has been gaining in popularity ever since it began.

Mr Palanichami O. Thevar, President, FICQ, formally welcomed the High Commissioner and acknowledged the traditional elders as well as the community elders and leaders. He said this was a proud day for the High Commissioner. India is a country with diversity of faiths, languages and cultures but still united.

10 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, April, 2017

People of Indian origin from Fiji, South Africa and elsewhere were also part of the Indian diaspora.

Mr Thevar gave a brief history of FICQ which was established in 1998. He said the growth of the organisation could be illustrated by the fact that when he came toQueensland he was able to recognise man people from India or of Indian origin. Today, with the growth of the community, it was very hard for him to do so. The statistics did not give a true picture of people of Indian origin living in Queensland.

Mr Thevar noted that the visits of the High Commissioners were good omens for Queensland as they brought much needed rain. ‘It was raining when Mr Navdeep Suri first came, and the same with Mr Gondane’s visit’. He concluded by emphasising that FICQ has always had a strong working relationship with the High Commission.

Mrs Archana Singh, Honorary Consul of India, continued the welcome to the High Commissioner, emphasising the sunny disposition of the people of Queensland, even though the weather was not sunny.

His Excellency, Dr Gondane, then took the

floor. He said it was a good time to strengthen Australian interest in India and vice versa, despite setbacks. He pointed out that Australia was a wealthy country with an average income of $66,000, with many opportunities to turn savings into investments and investment into profit. Australia was fortunate to have peace for many decades. It had provided opportunities to many by its own capability to develop in education, research, increase agricultural production and better use of scarce resources like water. These capabilities needed to be tapped into to fill gaps in India’s developmental process. India is growing but not at the rate desired to bring the vast mass of people above the poverty line.

Dr Gondane noted that Indians appeared to have integrated well into Australia, he had not heard many complaints. Indians have brought in lots of colour, fragrance and verve to Australia. He noted the Federation and other associations had very good relations with the High Commission because the community was the High Commission. ‘The High Commission is the extension of the community…we need each other.’

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Dr Gondane also emphasised that the High Commissioner has an obligation which is not easy to meet. ‘Nowhere can you conduct yourself loosely’. He congratulated all those present, said he was sure that all would meet their obligations to the best of their ability, all would gain the respect of the community.

‘If some-one is falling on the wayside, it is our obligation to assist them. There is an individual and a collective obligation to help.

‘The pain of the little finger is the pain of the whole body’.

Following the High Commissioner’s speech, there was a short Question and Answer process. Dr Gondane emphasised that there was a huge reform process on in India and generic issues were easier to pose to the authorities back home.

Mr Nikhil Reddy then gave the Vote of Thanks. Attendees were invited to have their photographs taken with the High Commissioner before proceeding to have dinner and mingle with each other.

Overall, there were many expressions of appreciation that FICQ had managed to host a very successful event at very short notice and accommodate all those who wished to attend.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, April, 2017 — 11

Holika Dahan 2017 message

Courtesy Dhirubhai Desai (Temple Devotee)

YET another smashing Holika Dahan celebration took place at Shree Vishnu Maya Mandir on the evening of Sunday the 12th of March, 2017.

The festival was celebrated with immense joy and enthusiasm by more than 400 eager devotees.

Dharam Guru Pundit Tripathi Ji along with other temple priests, performed the Holi Pooja and later fire was lit to the pile of wood. The lighting of this Holi Bonfire is called Holika Dahan. Holika, the sister of demon Hiranyakashyap (who claimed that he was a God), represents the BAD while Prahalad (Hiranyakashyap’s son) who worshiped to Lord Vishnu represents the GOOD. During Holika Dahan, Holika (the bad) is burnt down to ashes while the powers of Lord Vishnu brings no harm to Prahalad (the good) and he walks out of the fire smiling.

This signifies the victory of Good over Evil.

It is said that just by being present at a Holika Dahan your whole families, “Dukh, Daridra Sab Mit Jata Hay”.

Shree Vishnu Maya Mandir’s devotees sang

some beautiful Holi Geet and kirtans. Later Ipswich Ramayan Mandali joind in and showed their great talent in singing some really good Faag Chautal while playing Man-

jira and Dholak. They continued to sing throughout Holika Dahan.

“A very big thank you to all the members of Ipswich Ramayan Mandali for their support”.

Later all the devotees took the opportunity to do their own Holi Pooja. A real festive atmosphere was created and then the time came for the delicious Maha Prasad which included a full dinner.

The success of our Holika Dahan was due to the hard work of Shree Vishnu Maya Mandir’s team. We would like to thank everyone who helped to make this a success.

A very special “Thank You” to the Brisbane Indian Times and everyone associated with it for their great assistance and help.

Those who missed out this year please watch for next year’s date. As the significance of Holi ranges from socio-cultural, religious to biological, there is every reason why we must heartily enjoy this festival and cherish the reasons for its celebrations.

Next year will be even bigger and better!

Kerala Association of Townsville (KAT) Inc raise over $10,000 for Leukaemia foundation

Courtesy KAT

KERALA Association of Townsville (KAT) Inc. organised an Indian dinner night and World Greatest Shave on Saturday 11th March at Lynch Family Hall, Cranbrook Townsville. 20 people from the Kerala Association of Townville Inc took part in the world Greatest Shave program, including the President of KAT Dr. Mohan Jacob.

7 people shaved their heads and 2 School kids (year 11) cut their long precious hair and donated their hair to Variety, a children’s charity to make wig for kids with cancer, and 11 people including a year 12 student and a university student coloured their hair.

The group received over $10,000 towards Leukaemia foundation’s World Greatest Shave program. This is the largest amount raised for Leukaemia foundation’s World Greatest 12 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, April, 2017

Shave by a community group in North Queensland ever.

Julia Jacob and Athira Thomas (both year 11 students, who cut their hair received the highest sponsorship in the group). www.indiantimes.com.au

Member for Herbert Mrs Cathy O’Toole MP and Councillor Mr. Kurt Rehbein and Ms. Ruth Guice (Leukaemia foundation Townsville Coordinator) attended the event. Over 300 people from all walks of life attended the dinner night. The dinner was a 3 course sit down meal. The KAT also organised a cultural (dance) and music programs. So the attendees were very happy to have a taste of Indian dance, food and the generosity of Kerala community in Townsville.

To our best understanding, this is the 1st time an Indian association participated in World Greatest Shave in Australia, even though some individuals took part in the program before. Ot her associations collected money towards the same program through food sale, but not directly involving in shaving or colouring their hair. Those registered went out of their comfort zone to assist the Leukaemia foundation.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, April, 2017 — 13

GCHCA News: Dubai Klassical Rhythms Dance Program in Gold Coast May 2017 GOLD Coast Hindu Cultural Association in collaboration with Brisbane Chapter of Vedanta Centre presents the Indian Classical Dance Programme by the famous artists of Dubai Klassical Rhythms Group.

Klassical Rhythms is a non-profit team with the sole motto of keeping the Indian Classical dance alive. They are based in Dubai but have travelled around the world, performing in front of packed crowds. Due to popular demand, they are coming down under to showcase their renowned talent, in a night filled with a beautiful blend of music and bharathanatyam; a treat for the body, mind and soul. Note the date in your diaries because it’s the first time Dubai Klassical Rhythms is coming to Australia. It’s an event you don’t want to miss!

Bring your friends and family for an enjoyable night out, filled with mesmerizing dance performances. Ticket prices range from $20/single and $50/family. It will be held at Nerang Bicentennial Community Centre (833, Southport-Nerang Road, Nerang, QLD,

14 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, April, 2017

4211) from 6:30-9pm on Friday 26th of May, 2017. Dinner will also be provided on purchase. All proceeds go towards the building fund of the GCHCA. You can purchase the tickets for the dance program from the GCHCA secure website via following link: http://culture.goldcoasthindu.org/tickets/ This function is one of GCHCA’s fund raising programs to achieve their target of building the Gold Coast Hindu Cultural Precinct.

The final work to get the building approval from the Gold Coast City Council is getting sorted out now. It is expected July 2017 the project building work will kick start.

We humbly appeal for your support to build the Hindu Cultural & Educational Precinct.

Any contribution would make a difference and every cent counts towards helping our community realize its dream. We are confident that anyone who gives to this cause would be abundantly blessed.

You can visualise the precinct project walk through YouTube:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9rM5rsiSls&f eature=youtu.be For more information about this project, please visit the GCHCA website on www.GoldCoastHindu.org.

You are also more than welcome to contact the association’s President, Secretary or

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Treasurer if you have any suggestions or queries via gchcan@gmail.com.

All tax-deductible donations ($2 or more) can be deposited into the following: The GCHCA Building Donation Account BSB: 064-474 Account Number: 104 88 900

Leading Australian railway research institute lends support to Indian Railways

MONASH University’s Institute of Railway Technology has entered into an agreement with a state-owned corporation in India to assist with the establishment of a new research and development institute to support the future of railways in India.

Representatives from Monash University and the Indian Ministry of Railways corporation DFCCIL (Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited) signed an agreement on 16 March in Delhi, India.

The Institute of Railway Technology (IRT) together with partners, Balaji Railroad Systems Ltd (BARSYL) - leading railway consultants in India, PwC, and the Indian Institute of Bombay (IITB) were selected as the preferred supplier from a competitive global selection process. They will provide guidance on the establishment of a new applied research and development institute in India known as SRESTHA (Special Railway Establishment for Strategic Technology & Holistic Advancement).

SRESTHA will be locally engaged, but have a global reach with the aim to become a world leader in the advancement of rail. Significantly, the project will provide guidance to Indian Railways on international models that will be adapted to the Indian railway environment.

The Director of the Institute of Railway Technology, Mr Ravi Ravitharan, said that the partnership will help advance railway technology both in India and around the world.

“I am extremely pleased to be invited with our partners to assist with this significant project, which will support future research and technology development related to critical infrastructure for India.

“Indian Railways is one of the largest employers in the world and this is a very important project not only for IRT but also for Victoria and Australia,” Mr Ravitharan said.

Indian Railways is one of the world's largest railway networks, comprising 92,000 kms of track and employing over 1.3 million people.

The network carries around 22 million passengers per day and over a billion tons of freight annually.

Monash University’s Institute of Technology (IRT) is the premier track and vehicle railway research centre in Australia. IRT provides efficient and practical solutions to the railway industry, creating linkages with people and institutions which deliver a range of mutual benefits in railway research and operations.

IRT’s projects extend from heavy haul to mass transit, high speed, general freight and passenger systems.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, April, 2017 — 15

JET Australia Foundation - H.H. Sri Sri Sri Tridandi Chinna Srimannarayana Ramanuja Jeeyar Swamiji visited Brisbane Courtesy JET Australia Foundation Brisbane Chapter IN February 2017, H.H. Sri Sri Sri Tridandi Chinna Srimannarayana Ramanuja Jeeyar Swamiji graced Brisbane with his divine presence for the fourth time. Leaving India after performing Prana Prathishttas for temples in Vijaya Kiladri, Andhra Pradesh, Jeeyar Swamiji arrived in Brisbane at 8:45pm on the 18th February.

Swamiji and his Kainkarya Parivaram were hosted at the humble abode of Vinay and Anitha Ramanujadasan. Upon arrival, Swamiji greeted the devotees who had come to receive HH, and spent time interacting with each of them personally. After addressing the devotees, Swamiji performed his Nitya Karmas followed by Theertha Goshti.

The fifth Samuhika Thirukalyana Utsavam of Sree Seeta Rama Chandra Swami was celebrated in a grand manner with pomp and splendor by the Brisbane chapter of JET Australia in the presence of H.H. Sri Sri Sri Tridandi Chinna Srimannarayana Ramanuja Jeeyar Swamiji. The event was organised for Feb 19th, with volunteers working tirelessly for over two months to bring this celebration to fruition. Madhusudhana Swami performed the Thirukalyanam, assisted by Shrikanth

16 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, April, 2017

Swami, Sudarshan Swami, Gopi Swami and volunteers from Jet Brisbane Chapter. The backdrop, decorations and Mahaprasadam were provided by BAPS Swami Narayan temple in a manner befitting the divine couple.

Devotees were offered an opportunity to participate by performing Thirukalyanam to

Archa Murthis. Brisbane chapter had organised for new sets of Archa Murthis to be available during this Utsavam for those devotees who decided to invite the divine couple to their homes. Many devotees took advantage of this opportunity and were able to take home their own Archa Murthis of Perumal Thayar and Parivaram after the Utsavam.

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During the Utsavam, Jeeyar Swamiji kindly explained the religious and social significance of each of the Vedic rituals that form a part of the Utsavam.

The following day, Jeeyar Swamiji performed Samashrayanam after Theertha Goshti for devotees who expressed interest in surrendering to the divine couple as members of Ramanuja’s spiritual family. As part of this holy ceremony, Swamiji explained the importance of Samashrayanam and initiated 14 devotees as Sri Vaishnavas. After the ceremony, everyone partook in the Mahaprasadam prepared with love by Tripathi ji and Jogeshwar Prabhu.

Swamiji later officiated a Samuhika Pooja for Sri Lakshmi Hayagriva for children and students. During the puja, Jeeyar Swamiji explained the significance of Lord Hayagriva and answered questions from children. Following the Puja, Swamiji interacted with the assembled devotees, before leaving to Sydney on road.

JET Brisbane Chapter were very enthusiastic and humbled to host Swamiji for the fourth time, with all funds proceeding to the Sree Ramanuja Sahasrabdi project in Shamshabad, Hyderabad. Devotees in Brisbane are excitedly waiting for Swamiji’s return in the coming years.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, April, 2017 — 17

Queensland Tamil Mandram (QTM) officially launched Courtesy QTM

QUEENSLAND Tamil Mandram (QTM) was publicly introduced by Honourable MP Peter Russo at the recently concluded Pongal festival grand celebration event on 21 January 2017. The MP has highlighted that the need for such an organization is inevitable to amalgamate the various groups that are selflessly accomplishing a number of Tamil cultural and literary activities in and around Queensland.

For the past several years, many volunteers have been working in cohesion to promote the Tamil art and culture within the Tamil community in Queensland. They have been conducting a number of programs to foster the richness of our beautiful language,art and culture. In particular, the Pongal festival that is celebrated to recognize the selfless work of the farmers - makes us feel proud and gives us a unique opportunity to cultivate

harmony amongst the various Australian communities and Tamil Nadhi, a quarterly literary meeting of Tamils showcasing their poetic and cultural desires.

In order to expand the potential and provide

prolific community to the Tamil community, these volunteers have formed the Queensland Tamil Mandram (QTM). QTM was officially launched on 19th March 2017 in its first ‘Tamil Nadhi’ a Tamil literary meeting event of the year at Helensvale Library.

QTM will also host the Australian Tamil Literary and Arts Society (ATLAS) writers’ festival in Queensland which happens annually around Australia. All of these events will provide an opportunity for identifying many local writers, poets and especially exploiting the Tamil literary knowledge amongst the Tamils living in Queensland.

QTM has many short and long-term goals.

A mobile library, a quarterly magazine portraying Tamil Nadhi, annual Tamil Literary and Arts festival have been earmarked on the short term. Building a Tamil Arts and Cultural Centre with recreational facilities for young and old are planned for the long term.

The core values and goals of QTM is to meet

the needs of our community. Below are some of our visionary goals: ● Work with other Tamil organisations to complement and support their objectives. ● Promote harmony among all Australians communities. ● Address the needs, listen to views and encourage enrichment of our women ● Stimulate intellectual, cultural and sporting activities amongst young children in all facets of positive growth in order to prepare them to face future challenges.

QTM will strive to work together and in partnership with other non-profit organisations including Tamil schools in an effort to enrich our Tamil Language, Arts and Culture.

As the logo of QTM says “Yaadhum Orey Yaavarum Kelir (all is our town and everyone is our kin)”, it will also work for the harmony in Queensland soil.

Follow QTA on facebook www.facebook.com/QLDTamilMandram/

Kavita Chandwani

Tune in To AIR every Tues & Sun (8pm AEST & 3pm IST) to listen to Bhule Bisre Geet with Kavita 18 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, April, 2017

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Child abuse a taboo topic in many cultures IT is difficult to protect children when child sexual abuse is a taboo topic in many cultures and sexualised behaviour has become normal in some remote and traditional Aboriginal communities, an inquiry has heard.

Social worker and consultant Jatinder Kaur (pictured second from left) says there is a lack of education about understanding child sex abuse in multicultural communities in Australia, amid a notion that it has not been an issue for them.

"Sexual abuse is such a taboo topic with most of the multicultural communities," Ms Kaur told the child abuse royal commission.

"It's such a taboo topic that most of the multicultural communities really struggle in talking about sexual abuse, grooming - you wouldn't be able to get them into the room to have a conversation."

Ms Kaur said many parents from culturally and linguistically diverse communities are not aware of Australia's child protection systems and community leaders also lack training in understanding child sexual abuse.

"We have within multi-faith religious institutions faith lead-

ers who don't want to talk about this issue, who don't have an understanding or a knowledge of a concept of what is child sexual abuse."

Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency CEO Professor Muriel Bamblett, part of a 2010 inquiry that found overwhelming failures in the Northern Territory's child protection

system, said protecting children in remote or traditional Aboriginal communities was also difficult.

"In many of those communities they're so small that when a child speaks up, can we protect them and can they stand up to the perpetrators," she said.

Prof Bamblett said children often did not wear clothes in some traditional Aboriginal communities and sexualised behaviour had become normalised.

"For Aboriginal communities who live very traditionally and still hold on to those traditions, how do we create protection for those children in their communities that meets their standards that they can put into place and talk about sexualisation and how to combat it," she said.

"We do need to have approaches for remote communities that's based on those children have a right for a system and if we don't have a system that protects them then I think we're failing them."

Megan Neil, AAP

9 9 9

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, April, 2017 — 19

• QLD Group 1 Community Ambassadors - Jupiters Casino

India to play Indonesia and Denmark in Sudirman Cup 2017 INDIA has been drawn to play against Indonesia and Denmark in the qualifying rounds of the TOTAL BWF Sudirman Cup 2017 to be held at the Gold Coast, Australia from May 21-28 2017.

The Sudirman Cup is the world’s premier mixed badminton championships and the draw for the 28 participating teams was announced at Jupiter’s Casino on the Gold Coast in front of hundreds of newly appointed Community Ambassadors.

China who are the defending champions and top seed and is expected to progress to the quarter finals whilst host nation Australia has entered the tough Group 2 competition drawn against Singapore, the USA and Austria.

The draw was announced by Tournament Director and Badminton Australia Director Loke Poh Wong and Australian Women’s Singles International badminton player Wendy Chen.

“There was a sense of excitement in the room tonight for this historic event.” Said Loke Poh Wong. “A lot of communities are looking forward to welcoming and supporting their badminton stars.”

Following the draw over 100 Community Ambassadors were inducted by Red Elephant, the fan engagement agency for the event.

Reg Raghavan Executive Director of Red Elephant said "The Community Ambassador program is pivotal in ensuring the tournament is well supported by the communities of the 28 competing nations. Each Ambassador is appointed based on their unique leadership influence and reach.”

One of the Community Ambassadors inducted on the night was proud South East Queensland local Rosy (Hetian) Tang, a dual badminton representative for China and Australia and a bronze medallist at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.

Rosy Tang said: "I'm proud that the Sudirman Cup is hosted in the Gold Coast and this wonderful opportunity to be a

More than 500 million people worldwide are expected to tune in to watch the 2017 Badminton World Federation Sudirman Cup when it is hosted at the Gold Coast Sports and Leisure centre in Carrara from 21-28 May 2017.

For more information visit www.sudirmancup.com.au

• PANEL FICQ President Palanichammy O Thevar.

Community Ambassador allows me to share my badminton passion!

Other Community Ambassadors included leaders from community, sport, business and universities who will help drive awareness, ticket sales and cultural engagement for the event.

Palanichammy O. Thevar, President of the Federation of Indian Communities Queensland and Community Ambassador is looking forward to the event and said: “We will work hard to rally the Gold Coast and Brisbane Indian communities together to support Team India. May the best team win.”

The centre of attraction on the night was the pure silver Sudirman Cup trophy which is plated in 22 carat gold and named after Dick Sudirman an Indonesian badminton player and leader.

Since its founding in 1989, the Sudirman Cup has been held in Asia or Europe and Australia hosting the 2017 event will be the historic first to be held outside these continents. For the Sudirman Cup 2017 event the 28 teams have been divided into three divisions.

Team India Qualifying matches: 1. 12pm Monday 22 May, 2017 - India vs Denmark 2. 6pm Tuesday 23 May, 2017 - India vs Indonesia Register for the Badminton fan club. Visit culturalpulse.com.au/badmintonfans • Buy tickets to the Sudirman Cup 2017 tournament: • Tickets: www.ticketek.com.au (search Sudirman Cup) • Group Tickets: tickets@redelephantprojects.com (More than 10)

Groups for Total BWF Sudirman Cup 2017 Group 1 -Total BWF Sudirman Cup 2017 Group 1A • China • Thailand • Hong Kong Group 1B • Korea • Chinese Taipei • Russia Group 1C • Japan • Malaysia • England Group 1D

• Denmark • Indonesia • India Group 2 - Total BWF Sudirman Cup 2017 Group 2A • Germany • Vietnam • Scotland • Canada Group 2B • Singapore • Australia • United States of

America • Austria Group 3 - Total BWF Sudirman Cup 2017 Group 3A • New Zealand • New Caledonia • Macau • Guam Group 3B • Sri Lanka • Slovakia • Tahiti • Fiji

The Official inauguration of the Ayurveda Awareness Week in QLD launched by H.E. High Commissioner of India to Australia Dr. Ajay M. Gondane AYURVEDA means the “Knowledge of Life”. It is a 5000 year old natural healing practice from India and increasing in awareness across the globe. Ayurveda is a holistic approach to achieving and maintaining wellness as this science teaches the art of knowing yourself and learning how to live in harmony with nature. A consultation with an

20 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, April, 2017

experienced Ayurvedic practitioner will help you recognize your constitution and current state of imbalance. To restore balance and promote healing, Ayurvedic practitioners create a highly individualized wellness plan, based on your health and disease history, food habits, sleep patterns, temperament, energy level, digestion and metabolism. Appropriate changes in daily routines along with natural procedures such as remedial massage are advised. The wellness plan usually involves dietary changes as well as use of natural herbs or remedies matched to your essential nature and present condition.

Detoxification cleansing therapies such as Panchakarma is recommended for restoring and strengthening the immune system. Shirodhara massage is done for rejuvenation and revitalization of the human mind and body.

The best place to experience such treatments is an Ayurvedic retreat, either in India, the home of Ayurveda, or an experienced Ayurveda practitioner in Australia.

For Awareness of Ayurveda, H.E.High Commissioner of India to Australia launched “The

Ayurveda Awareness Week” in Queensland on 20th March 2017. On the occasion of Ayurveda Week organisers set up an information Kiosk at Westfield Shopping Centre in Carindale. The kiosk was open from 9am to 5pm all days up to the 26th March 2017, due to magnificent response the timing was extended to 8:30pm.

Ayurveda week information kiosk and Wellness practitioners offered special discounts for anyone visiting the kiosk and collecting the information broachers. There was a special lucky draw prize offered by Vibrant

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Ayurveda for entries made at the kiosk.

The organisers of “Ayurveda Awareness Week” will be aiming to undertake further such events in other parts of Queensland over next twelve months to increase awareness in each community on behalf of Ayurveda towards enhancing overall wellness in our daily lives. In due course, a broader main stream and social media campaign will be undertaken which we hope will increase interest for Queenslanders to visit India the land of Ayurveda and easily make available many different types of traditional products.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, April, 2017 — 21

Rama Navami and Ugadi Celebrations at Bala Samskar Kendra (BSK) Qld BALA Samskar Kendra (BSK) Queensland, the educational and cultural wing of Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) of Australia Inc., for children, celebrated Rama Navami and the Telugu New Year – Ugadi, on 26th March 2017 at Sunnybank State High School, Sunnybank. Generally, BSK celebrates festivals on Sundays prior to the actual festival date.

As part of the celebrations, the volunteer teachers explain the significance and history of the festival to the student children of BSK. This enables the children to understand the importance of the festival and more likely to participate with parents during celebrations at home on the actual festival day.

As part of the Rama Navami celebrations, the senior students provided a brief presentation on the qualities of Lord Rama that all of us have to inculcate. A video on ‘Hanuman Chalisa’ with meaning also screened for the benefit of the children. Prasad was distributed to students and parents after the celebrations.

The Telugu New year, known as Ugadi is derived from Sanskrit words (Yuga + Adi) meaning beginning of the new year. It is observed on the first day of the Hindu lunar month of Chaitra. This typically falls in March or April of the Gregorian calendar.

The name of this (2017) new year is Hevalamba, which is 31st Telugu year of 60 year cycle.

Unlike other festivals solely celebrated for

• Presentation on Ugadi at Bala Samskar Kendra.

Gods, Ugadi is celebration of time (new beginning), treating Time as God. Children like this festival very much. Apart from regular prayers, the two important tasks are performed on this day – eating Ugadi Pachadi and Panchanga Sravanam. Ugadi Pachadi is a special dish prepared for this festival only.

Ugadi Pachadi is a combination of neem flowers, tamarind, jaggary, raw mango and ghee. Each ingredient has its own characteristics that improves the health. The combinations sweet and bitter tastes of Pachadi indicate that the life is joy and sorrow and we need to accept both equally. Panchanga Sravanam is listening to the astrological forecast for the entire year based on movement of

moon into 12 rashis. The Panchanga Sravanam is generally summarised in four parameters – income, expenses, honour and dishonour.

On the day of Ugadi, the practice is that everyone wakes up early in the morning and have a shower with sesame oil, wear new clothes and get blessings from elders. They also visit local temples to seek divine blessings The students of BSK actively participated in Ugadi celebrations. They were given a presentation by one of parent volunteers on the significance of Ugadi and hot it is celebrated

by Telugu people in Bharat and around the world. The celebrations of the festival ended by eating Ugadi Pachadi and listening to

Panchanga Sravanam.

Another presentation was given by Shri Mohan Halai on the significance of Hindu new year. The Hindu New Year festival is known by different names in different parts of India, for example, Ugadi in the Andhra Pradesh, Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra and Rongali Bihu in Assam. The festival is also celebrated in a wide variety of ways, with some common themes: • celebrate the year just past with festivities through food, dance and family gatherings.

• start the new year on a clean slate by cleaning and decorating the house and surroundings.

• seek blessing from elders and God for a successful new year ahead.

The New year signifies / reminds of numerous puranic, historical and cultural aspects as well. For example: • Puranic - Lord Brahma started to create the universe; marks the beginning of Kaliyug; • Religious - Start of Navratri festival; Lord Ram was coronated; King Yudhishtira was coronated • Historical - King Vikramaditya and King Shalivahana were coronated • Cultural – Start of spring / harvest season.

We at Bala Samskar Kendra, Queensland, endeavouring to bring Hindu culture and values to our future generations in Brisbane.

If you wish to participate and or volunteer contact bskqld@live.com.au / www.vhpqld.org.au

• Children learning about the qualities of Shri Ram, as part of Rama Navami celebrations.

22 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, April, 2017

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, April, 2017 — 23

24 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, April, 2017

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, April, 2017 — 25

Indian Australia Business & THE India Australia Business & Community Awards (IABCA) 2017 annual awards gala, hosted by Hon Annastacia Palaszczuk MP, Premier of Queensland will take place on Friday 13th October at Queensland’s most significant heritage and cultural icon, Brisbane City Hall. Also in attendance will be His Excellency, Dr. A.M Gondane, High Commissioner of India in Australia, and Her Excellency Ms. Harinder Sidhu, High Commissioner of Australia in India. This is the first time that any Australian awards event has hosted both of the India-Australia High Commissioners at the same time.

With nearly one million people of Indian heritage now living across Australia, the annual India Australia Business & Community Awards (IABCA) are a welcome sign of how far relations between Australia and India have evolved. Established in 2014, these awards acknowledge migrants who have achieved and contributed greatly to our multicultural nation. It raises awareness of Indians in Australia and Australians in India, in a way that encourages further growth in relations between the two countries.

Each year IABCA entries are judged by a panel of carefully considered experts with a wealth of experience across a range of industries and fields. IABCA is pleased to announce the 2017 panel of experts.

Umesh Chandra, CEO, Chantex Umesh Chandra is highly respected nationally and internationally. He is a founder member and the current president of Queensland Multicultural Council, and serves on the police ethnic advisory group, Lord Mayors Multicultural round table etc. He has been the founder president of GOPIO Qld, and is a life member of GOPIO International. He has won many community service awards including Bharat Gaurav award in 2011. Umesh Chandra is the owner of Brisbane Indian Times and Australian Indian Radio

Doug Ferguson, Chairman, Asia Society As Partner-in-charge of KPMG’s Asia & International Markets Group, I am responsible for leading our China, Japan, India, Korea and South East Asia business practices. These teams, comprising Australian and Asian professional staff, provide a range of advisory, tax and audit services to Asian inbound investors and Australian clients operating in Asia.

As a Deals Advisory Partner, my primary focus is advising Asian and Australian clients on Asian inbound investments and Australian outbound investments to Asia.

Prior to commencing this role, I was based in Beijing and Hong Kong for 10+ years with KPMG China. My primary roles were providing financial due diligence advice to private equity and multinational clients investing into China. I was also heavily involved in the liquidation of Lehman Brothers Asian real estate assets between Sep 2008 and Dec 2011.

Virginia Greville, Chief Executive Officer, Trade & Investment Queensland Virginia Greville joined TIQ in January 2017 and brings with her a wealth of international trade and diplomatic experience. Ms Greville was previously Director of the NSW State Office of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. During that period, she was seconded as Chief of Staff to the Trade Minister for several months.

She has significant experience in supporting, dealing and negotiating with a range of governments, international markets and industries. Overseas, Ms Greville served as Minister Counsellor Agriculture at the Australian Embassy, Washington DC. She returned to Australia as a senior agriculture negotiator for the Australia-US FTA and then, as Assistant Secretary of the DFAT Trade Commitments Branch, she was responsible for its ratification and implementation.

Dan Gregory, CEO, The Impossible Institute Dan Gregory is a speaker, author and mentor specialising in Leadership, Strategy and Influence. He is the co-founder of The Impossible Institute, the team behind the most successful new product launch in Australian history and is a regular on ABC TV’s Gruen series and Sunrise on the 7 Network and writes for Success and The CEO Magazine in the USA.

Sam Graham, CEO of Australian Football League NSW/ACT Sam joined the AFL in September 2005 as Strategic Planner. In June 2011 he was appointed Manager of Strategy, and in September 2011 was appointed Manager of Club Services. From there, Sam was appointed to General Manager, Strategy & Club Services in May 2013. Sam moved to Sydney in 2015 when he was appointed CEO of AFL NSW/ACT, overseeing the growth of AFL in the two regions. Sam is also a Director at AFL led charity, Ladder.

Gail Ker OAM, CEO Access Community Services Ltd For over 20 years, Gail Ker OAM’s vast industry experience and arguably unrivalled expertise in the Australian multicultural, humanitarian and community sectors has seen her change countless lives for the better.

A national award-winning visionary, Gail has grown Access into one of Australia’s leaders in settlement, employment, training, youth-support, housing and social enterprise services.

Gail is a recognised thought-leader in needs-based community planning, business modelling, social cohesion, strategic partnerships, employment pathways and strategic direction.

Sheba Nandkeolyar, National Chair, Australia India Business Council Sheba Nandkeolyar is the National Chair of the Australia India Business Council (AIBC) and a board member of the Australia India Council. Sheba is a renowned and highly awarded multicultural marketer, experienced in integrated Advertising, International Marketing and Cross Cultural Consulting, with experience across 3 continents. She actively advises Government and Industry on trade and business matters pertaining to India and Asia. She promotes bi-lateral business and trade, and people-to-people connections between Australia and India. Sheba founded and is CEO of MultiConnexions, among other businesses she set up in Australia. She is a Board Member of the International Advertising Association - Australia Chapter (IAA).

Peter O’ Byrne, Chair, National Advisory Board, Export Council of Australia Peter O’Byrne is an adjunct Professor in the Faculty of Business and Economics at Macquarie University. He is on advisory Boards for the Faculty, Centre for the Health Economy, South Asia Forum and Export Council of Australia. He has been on the Boards of the Australian Trade Commission (Austrade), Export Finance and Insurance Corporation (Efic), NSW Export and Investment Advisory Council and Australia India Business Council. He has managed the Australian Hearing Service and Reckitt & Colman operations across Asia.

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Community Awards 2017 Kumar Parakala, Managing Director, Technova Kumar is the co-founder and Managing Director of Technova, a digital transformation firm. Prior to Technova, he served at KPMG from 2000 to 2015, where as a senior partner he led the global technology consulting practice comprising of 11,000 people.

An authority in consulting and technology services businesses, Kumar received the Digital Disruptors International Professional of the Year Award in 2016 and the Queensland Government Leadership Excellence Award in 2000. An alumnus of the Harvard Business School, he was inducted into the ACS Hall of Fame

Parag Shirnamé Dr Shirnamé is a respected international trade & investment specialist with market development expertise in Australia, India - South Asia, Russia, France and South Africa. He is an entrepreneur, a top market-entry strategist, with a reputable track record of attracting large-scale inward investments to Australia. Dr Parag Shirnamé was Queensland Trade & Investment Commissioner to India and South Asia from 2013 to 2016. An experienced leader, Dr Shirnamé was the Chief Executive Officer of DSK Supinfocom, an Indo French JV, as well as the Dean of Ford Academy and Regional Manager Asia Pacific for Ford Motor Company Australia.

Jacinta Thompson, Executive Director, The Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre, University of South Australia Prior to joining UniSA, Jacinta was the Artistic Director of the OzAsia Festival at Adelaide Festival Centre from 2007-2014, and Executive Producer for the Adelaide Cabaret Festival from 2003-2006. She has previously worked as the Education Manager for Sydney Theatre Company, Regional Arts Victoria and the 1994 and 1996 Adelaide Fringe Festivals. Jacinta was also a Program Manager of the 1998 and 2000 Adelaide Festival of Arts and Operations Manager for the 1995 and 1997 Come Out Youth Arts Festival. Jacinta spent 15 months living in Majuro, Marshall Islands as an Australian Volunteer International working as a Management Trainer with Youth to Youth in Health. Jacinta was also awarded an Asialink Arts Management Residency and spent 6months working in Programming at the Esplanade Theatres on the Bay, Singapore. In early 2017, Jacinta was a Venue Manager for the Jaipur Literature Festival, India.

Erin Watson-Lynn, Director, Asialink Diplomacy Erin is the Director of Asialink Diplomacy at the University of Melbourne and is Chair of the Advisory Board of the National Centre for Student Equity in Higher Education. She is the co-founder of DICE (Digital, Innovative, Creative and Entrepreneurial) Kids and founding director of Generate Worldwide. In 2015 and 2016 respectively, Erin was a delegate to the G20 Youth Summit in Turkey and G20 Young Entrepreneurs’ Alliance in China. Erin has also worked at United Nations ESCAP in New Delhi and at Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, April, 2017 — 27

Who, What, Where, When

• Ayurveda Awareness Week: Cnr Ryan Murphy on behalf of Lord Mayor welcomed H. E. High Commissioner of India. Full report page 20.

• Chantex Pty Ltd celebrated Harmony Day for the third year, a variety of dishes were shared at the Harmony Day lunch including from Slovenia, Taiwan & India.

• OMS Corporate,Viden and IAEF presented an important demonetisation information evening on 2 March for the Indian Diaspora. Experienced industry professionals provided valuable insight on critical actions to be taken by 31st March in India and 30th June in Australia. Photo: Brian Sullivan.

• Above & Right: Rotary Club of Brisbane International (RCBI) was officially chartered at the District 9630 conference held at Jupiters Casino on 4-5 March. Full story page 8.

• H.H. Sri Sri Sri Tridandi Chinna Srimannarayana Ramanuja Jeeyar Swamiji during his visit to Brisbane, report page 16.

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• 10 year-old Sharleen Sraon won a gold & bronze medal at the Qld State Karate Championship, report page 54.

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Who, What, Where, When

• Sudirman Cup 2017: Loke Poh Wong BA Tournament Director with Wendy Chen Australian Badminton Player. Full report page 20.

• Queensland Tamil Mandram (QTM) at the Tamil nadhi leterary meet-up at Helensvale Library. QTM launch was celebrated in the presence of Mr Anthony Shorten, former Member of Parliament for Algester. Report page 18.

• The “Musical Journey” conducted on Saturday, 11th March to raise funds for the New Zealand Thirumurugan Temple was a great success in terms of performance and collection. Photo’s courtesy Thilliar Varnakulasingham.

• Kerala Association of Townsville (KAT) Inc Indian dinner night & World Greatest Shave was held on 11 March. Full report page 12.

30 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, April, 2017

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, April, 2017 — 31

Hotel experiences to Bhakti – Devotion bolster the spirit of luxury lifestyles

By Rama Gaind Part 2

After returning from your pilgrimage, restore your energy and stay at the Country Inn & Suites By Carlson Katra. Located in IN the second of a two-part series, I a vibrant, lush setting near the reflect on sojourns at three hotels Jammu-Katra Highway, you can in India last year: one is the relax in the tranquillity of the Country Inn and Suites in sprawling landscaped lawns Katra, a ‘divine’ location in that surround you.

India, which is the gateway General manager to a significant temple; anKuldeep Sharma and other is JW Marriott reservations supervisor Jaipur; and the third is the Saniya Jamwal ensured Leela Palace Chennai. that our accommodaValuable experiences tion, eating and transhave paved the way for port requirements were long-lasting optimism. completely hassle-free. *** A precious journey!

Leela Palace Chennai: *** The largest of the four JW Marriott Jaipur: metropolitan cities in Jaipur is India’s desert India, Chennai is a vibrant capital, known affectiongateway to south Indian ately as ‘Pink City’, beculture. Chennai is known cause of the pink walls for the infectious exuberance and buildings of the old of its Tamil-speaking people city. With stunning remnants and its wonderful cosmopolitan of a bygone era, the most popway of life. ular places to visit are the ancient Also known as the Detroit palaces and forts, with of Asia — the auto hub of • Sous chef Hitesh Pant at the Leela elaborate architecture India — Chennai displays Palace Chennai. Photo: Rama Gaind that serves as a rea mix of cultural heritage splendent reminder of blended in by the Portuguese, Dutch, their royal heritage.

French and the British.

You’ll find an appealing combination of A trip to Chennai isn’t complete without a traditional luxury and modern convenience visit to Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World at the JW Marriott Jaipur. Entrenched in the Heritage Site. Also called Mamallapuram, city’s cultural legacy, you’ll enjoy all-day it is a dream-come-true for lovers of mon- dining at the award-winning Okra, where uments and temple architecture. sous chef Jitendra Rayal makes it a point to During our stay at the Leela Palace Chen- mingle with the guests. Every effort was nai, dining at Spectra was a delectable ex- made to oblige when special requests were perience, thanks to sous chef Hitesh Pant. made: the stuffed breads (potato and cauliHe made sure we tasted the best of some flower parathas) and the bread omelette authentic southern dishes — soft idlis, crisp were a taste sensation! dosas, piquant rasam, papri chaat or if you All these hotel stops were brief, but ones love a spicy twist, dig into Chettinad cui- that brought joy, luxurious contentment, sine. lavish surrounds and delectable cuisine.

Food comes here with a dollop of warmth I agree with Robert Louis Stevenson: that lingers long after you’ve finished your “when you travel, the great affair is to meal. move”. *** Country Inn & Suites By Carlson Katra: Rama Gaind travelled at her own expense.

You have to first get to Katra, in the Trikuta Mountains in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, before you can go to the Vaishno Devi Mandir, a temple dedicated to the Hindu Mother Goddess, Mahalakshmi.

The holy cave of the ‘Mother’ is situated at an altitude of 1585 metres (5200ft). Pilgrims have to undertake a trek of nearly 13.5 kilometres from the base camp at Katra to get to the temple or bhawan.

As well, there are many historical, religious and attractive places to see in Katra including the quaint Bhairavnath Temple dedicated to the great saint Bhairav, who according to mythology, was beheaded by • Saniya Jamwal at the Country Inn & Suites in Goddess Vaishno.

Katra. Photo: Rama Gaind

IN Hinduism, Bhakti or Devotion is referred to the strong attachment of a person, normally called a devotee, to any of the manifestations of the divine power. The most popular manifestations of divinity for Bhakti are Vishnu and his incarnations such as Narasimha, Rama and Krishna; Shiva and Ganesha; and feminine deities such as Durga, Laxmi, Parvati and Saraswati.

Bhakti is one of the forms of worshipping God. It is reflected in a devotee’s boundless faith in the strength and capability of the divine manifestation and his/her willingness to total spiritual surrender to the Divinity.

References to Bhakti are found in Upanishads, The Gita, The Ramayana, Puranas, and many other texts.

Verse 6.23 of Shvetashvatara Upanishad stresses on the need of equal Bhakti to God and to the teacher that teaches it. Bhakti to God reflects the need of full faith in the divine power, and Bhakti to the teacher highlights the determined commitment to learning the subject matter.

Chapter 12 of the Bhagavad Gita describes Bhaktiyoga, or union with the God, through Devotion. Lord Krishna emphasises the importance of Bhakti in verse 12.8, as follows: “Set your mind on me only, let your intelligence dwell within me. You shall dwell within me hereafter. Of this there can be no doubt.” Other similar statements with focus on the need of Bhakti to God can be found elsewhere in the book.

Bhakti has been a major theme in the Ramayana. Goswami Tulsidas mentions Navadha Bhakti or nine types of Bhakti in the Aranyakand of Ramcharit Manas. In response to a request from Devotee Shabari, Lord Rama lists nine types of devotional behaviour. They include an association with saints, fondness for God’s stories, service to one’s spiritual teacher, singing songs in God’s praise, chanting mantras dedicated to God with unwavering faith, practice of self control and virtue prescribed for saints, acknowledging the world as manifestation of God, being contented and happy with whatever one gets and never finding faults with others, and straight forward and guileless in dealing with others.

In the Vaishnava tradition, a number of devotees are noted for their Bhakti. Sage Narada and Bhakta Prahalad are mentioned as famed devotees of Lord Vishnu. Hanuman and Laxmana are well-known devotees of Lord Rama. Radha’s and other Gopis’ devotion to Lord Krishna is a major theme of arts, literature and devotional songs in Krishna Bhakti tradition.

The importance of Bhakti is highlighted in a fascinating story in the Bhagavat Purana.

Once, four Kumaras known as Sanaka, Sananda, Sanatkumara and Sanatana, the ever-youthful sons of Brahma, came to the earth at Badrikashram. There they saw sage Narada in a gloomy mood.

The Kumaras asked Narada about his disturbed state of mind. In response to their query about his dejection, Narada told them what he had seen recently. He told them that

while travelling all over the sacred land of Bharat, he came to the bank of River Yamuna, where Lord Krishna spent his pastime in childhood. There he saw a young lady with two very old men in almost lifeless condition.

On enquiring, the lady told Narada that she was known as Bhakti and the old men were her sons named Gyan and Vairagya.

She was born in the Dravida country, and matured in Karnataka. By the time she travelled to Gujarat via Maharastra, she became old.

Somehow she arrived at Vrindavan. At Vrindavan, Bhakti became young again due to the effect of the sacredness of the place, but her sons’ condition got worse. She requested the sage to make her sons young again. This situation worried Narada and that was the reason of his sadness.

On hearing this, the four Kumaras promised to help Narada to find a solution to the condition of Bhakti and her sons. They advised Narada to perform a Yagya, and invite other sages and Bhakti with her sons. The Yagya was organised as instructed and the four Kumaras told the audience the story of Bhagavat Purana at that gathering.

By listening to the Bhagavat Purana story, Bhakti’s sons became rejuvenated and from then onward Bhakti, Gyan and Vairagya started living in the heat of devotees of Lord Vishnu.

The story demonstrates the importance of Bhagavat Purana. At the same time, it supports the view that Bhakti as a religious practice originated in the southern India and spread to other places from there.

Bhakti Martand, a book dealing with Bhakti, defines Bhakti as that form of love in which when the lovers are together they are afraid of being separated and when they are not together, they have painful longing for union.

Bhakti of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and Mirabai to Lord Krishna are examples of such devotion.

Narada Bhakti Sutra, a venerated book on Bhakti, tells us that a true devotee becomes a fulfilled being, immortal and content.

It is generally believed that the Bhakti tradition originated in south India by Shaiva Nayanars or teachers of Shiva, and by Vaishnava Alwars or poets devoted to Vishnu.

They established the concept of Bhakti to Shiva and Vishnu respectively. Later, Bhakti to Shakti in the form of Durga worship, and to other divine personalities also became popular.

Slowly, the concept of Bhakti as a mode of worship spread throughout India. It reached its zenith between the fifteenth and seventeenth centuries. The works of Tulsidas, Surdas, Mirabai and many others demonstrate the dominance of the Bhakti movement’s spiritual deliberations. Bhakti as a mode of worship remains dominant among many Hindus, especially among various denomination of Vaishnava tradition. The influence of Bhakti can be observed on other world religions.

More information on Hinduism will follow in the next edition of BIT. Awadhesh Sharma

Hindu Cultural Hub at Clayfield: The Significance of Shatarudriya (Rudram) Courtesy Dr Naren Kumar RUDRAADHAAYA or Rudra mantra, also known as Shatarudriya is a part of a collection of hymns in the Vedic Hindu culture that are actually praises and humbly requests the Almighty for protection from the terrible forms of nature. Although humans are the only intelligent animals, they are not impervious to the natural forces – which continuously gives birth, nurtures and annihilates all life forms on earth over time.

Hindu forefathers realised that only through the performance of yajna (sacrifice), peace, harmony and prosperity are achieved and it is the responsibility of one and all. As part of their prayers to the almighty, the first logical step is to ensure security (safety first). Hence in the Rudraadhyaaya, the prayer comprises of two sections – the namakam- salutations to the powerful forces of nature (mainly destructive), and request 32 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, April, 2017

Rudra to divert them away from us; and then the chamakamseeking material desires only to perform sacrifices that promote universal harmony and support. This invocation is classified as the fifth and seventh chapters respectively under KrishnaYajurveda’s Taittireeya Samhita (text) and subclassed under Vaishvadeva kaanda (canto). These are sacred prayers of the highest order according to sage Yaajnavalkya, who has assured that one can attain salvation after fulfilling all wishes just by meditating on this mantra. Hence they are chanted according to the Vedic chanting procedures (vidhi), while carrying out abhishekam (ritual bath), to lord Rudra – who is represented symbolically as the Shiva lingam. The powerful rhythmic intonations of Rudra mantra are not only pleasing to hear, but also possess healing qualities, which are captured in the abhishekam water.

The Hindu Cultural Hub: The Hindu Cultural Hub at Clayfield is a centre to congregate and promote spiritual, cultural and educational needs of local community and wider Hindu society in Brisbane. Devotees and friends assemble at the Bar-Jai Community Hall (178, Alexandra Road, Clayfield) last Friday of each month between 6.30pm to 9.00pm.

We feel this article topic in a way comes at the time were we www.indiantimes.com.au

had experienced the terrible form of the nature late last month – ex-Tropical Cyclone Debbie hit the Queensland State. Due this severe weather continued to be felt across South East Queensland and its aftermath we cancelled our 31st March congregation.

Stay Connected: Our next cultural congregation falls on 28th of April 2017.

As a standard practice, we have the following program at the Bar-Jai Hall: • Pooja by Hindu Priest • Bajan and Kirtan by devotees • Monthly religious updates / guest speakers on spiritual (or) on yoga techniques • Prasatham with vegetarian dinner served • Session conclude with relevant social justice updates and public notices.

We are currently interested in building our networks and relations with different communities around local and Brisbane area. If you are interested to get involved, please contact us on 0469 016 416 or 0427 999 129 or alternatively contact Sathiya: sathiya.ramakrishnan@gmail.com.

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Isra & Miraj

By Ml. M.Nawaaz Asfrafi Al-Isra’ & Al-Mi^raj PRAISE be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds, the One Who exists without a place. To Him belong the endowments and proper commendations.

May Allah raise the rank of Prophet Muhammad and his kind Al and Companions and protect his nation from what he fears for them. May the Lord of Heavens and Earth grant us the sincere intentions and guide us to the acceptable deeds.

Thereafter, Allah sent the prophets as a mercy to the slaves and supported them with miracles to indicate the truthfulness of their message. Of all the prophets, our Prophet, Muhammad, was blessed with the most miracles. Al-Isra’ and alMi^raj are among the many miracles of Prophet Muhammad.

The miracle of Al-Isra’ is confirmed in the Qur’an. In Surat al-Isra’, Ayah 1, Allah said: which means: [Praise be to Allah Who enabled His slave, Muhammad, to make the journey at night from Masjid al-Haram in Makkah to Masjid al-Aqsa in Jerusalem, which is surrounded by a blessed land.] This journey is also confirmed in the sahih hadith. As such, there is scholarly consensus (ijma^) Prophet Muhammad journeyed in body and soul the night of alIsra’ from Masjid al-Haram in Makkah to Masjid al-Aqsain Jerusalem. Moreover, these scholars indicated the person who denies al-Isra’ is a blasphemer for belying the explicit text of the Qur’an.

Before the Prophet took this night journey, the ceiling of the house in which he was staying was opened, and Jibril descended. He cut open the chest of Prophet Muhammad and washed that open area with Zamzam water. Then he emptied something from a container into the chest of the Prophet to increase his wisdom as well as the strength of his belief. This was done to prepare the Messenger of Allah for that which he had yet to see in the upper world from among the wonders of the creation of Allah.

Al-Isra’ After the Prophet performed the Evening Prayer (^Isha’), Jibril came to him with a white animal, slightly larger than a donkey yet smaller than a mule. This animal was the buraq,–one of the animals of Paradise. Jibril held the buraq by his ear and told the Prophet to mount it. When the buraq was mounted, the Prophet set forth.

The buraq is a very fast animal; the length of the buraq’s stride is the farthest distance it’s eye can see. The Prophet and Jibril arrived to a land with palm trees. Jibril told the Prophet to dismount and pray, so the Prophet dismounted the buraq and prayed two rak^as. Jibril asked him, “Do you know where you prayed?” and the Prophet answered, “Allah knows best.” Jibril told him, “This is Yathrib; this is Taybah. “.” (These are two names for the city of al-Madinah.) Before the Prophet emigrated to al-Madinah, it was called Taybah and Yathrib. It earned the name alMadinah after the Prophet emigrated to it.

The buraq continued with the Prophet and Jibril until they reached another place. Again Jibril told the Prophet to get down and pray. The Prophet dismounted there and prayed two rak^as. Jibril informed the Prophet of the name of that place; it was Tur Sina’.

Once again the buraq took off with the Prophet and Jibril. Once again it stopped, and the Prophet dismounted and prayed two rak^as. This was in Bayt Lahm, where Prophet ^Isa (Jesus) was born. Then the buraq continued with the Messenger of Allah until they entered the city of Jerusalem. There the Prophet went to Masjid alAqsa. Outside was a ring used by the Messengers of Allah to tie their animals. The Prophet tied his buraq to this ring. Then the Prophet entered the masjid where Allah assembled for him all the Prophets–from Adam to ^Isa. Prophet Muhammad moved forward and led them all in prayer. This is an indication the Prophet is higher in status than all the rest of the prophets and messengers.

1- On Prophet Muhammad’s journey from Masjid al-Haram to Masjid al-Aqsa, Allah enabled him to see some of His wondrous creations. Allah enabled the Prophet to see the world (dunya) like an old woman. However, this old woman was wearing a great deal of jewellery, and in this there is an indication signifying the reality of the world.

2- Allah enabled the Prophet to see Iblis. The Prophet saw something on the side of the road which did not dare to stand in his way or speak to him. What the Prophet saw was Iblis. Originally, Iblis was a believer and lived with the angels in Paradise. When Allah ordered the angels to prostrate (sujud) to Prophet Adam, Iblis was ordered to prostrate to him as well. The angels prostrated to Adam in obedience to Allah, because angels do not disobey Allah. However, Iblis did not obey, and he objected to the order of Allah. He said, “You created me out of fire, and You created him out of clay. How do You order me to prostrate to him?” So this objection Call 07 3865 6533

by Iblis to the order of Allah was the first blasphemy he committed.

3- On his journey, the Prophet smelled a very nice odor. He asked Jibril about this pleasant scent and Jibril informed him this good smell was coming from the grave of the woman whose duty used to be to comb Pharaoh’s daughter’s hair. This woman was a good, pious believer.

One day, as she was combing Pharaoh’s daughter’s hair, the comb fell from her hand. At this she said, “”Bismillah. “Pharaoh’s daughter asked her, “Do you have a god other than my father?”

The woman said, “Yes. My Lord and the Lord of your father is Allah.” Pharaoh’s daughter told her father what had happened. Pharaoh demanded this woman blaspheme and leave Islam, but she refused. At that, Pharaoh threatened to kill her children. He brought a great pot of water and built a great fire under it. When the water boiled, Pharaoh brought her children and started to drop them into that pot one after the other.

Throughout all this, the woman remained steadfast to Islam, even when Pharaoh reached her youngest child–a little boy still breast feeding– but she felt pity for him. At that, Allah enabled this child to speak. He said to his mother, “O Mother, be patient. The torture of the Hereafter is far more severe than the torture of this life, and do not be reluctant, because you are right.” At this the woman requested Pharaoh collect her bones and the bones of her children and bury them in the same grave. Pharaoh promised her that–then dropped her into that boiling water.

She died as a martyr. The good odor the Prophet smelled coming from her grave is an indication of her high status.

4- During his trip, the Prophet saw people who were planting and reaping in two days. Jibril told the Prophet, “These were the people who fight for the sake of Allah (mujahidun). “).”

5- The Prophet also saw people whose lips and tongues were clipped with scissors made of fire.

Jibril told the Prophet, “These are the speakers of sedition (fitna) who call people to misguidance.”

6- He also saw a bull which exited a very small outlet, then was trying in vain to return through that small outlet. Jibril told the Prophet, “This is the example of the bad word–once spoken, it cannot be returned.”

7- The Prophet saw people grazing like animals, with very little clothing on their private parts.

Jibril told the Prophet, “These are the ones who refused to pay zakat. “.”

8- The Prophet saw angels smashing some people’s heads with rocks. These heads would return to the shape they had been, and then the angels would smash their heads again–and so on. Jibril told the Prophet, “These are the ones whose heads felt too heavy to perform prayer–the ones who used to sleep without praying.”

9- On his journey the Prophet saw people who were competing to eat some rotten meat–ignoring meat that was sliced and unspoiled. Jibril told the Prophet, “These are people from your nation who leave out that which is permissible (halal), and consume that which is forbidden ((haram). “This reference was to the fornicators, that is, the ones who left out the permissible (marriage) and committed sins (fornication).

10- Also, the Prophet saw people who were drinking from the fluid coming from the bodies of the fornicators, (water mixed with blood). Jibril indicated to the Prophet these were the ones who were drinking the alcohol which is prohibited in this world.

11- The Prophet saw people scratching their faces and chests with brass finger nails. Jibril said, “These are the examples of those who commit gossip ((ghibah). “).”

Al-Mi^raj 1- After the Prophet took this night journey from Masjid al-Haram to Masjid al-Aqsa, he ascended to the upper heavens. The Prophet ascended to the heaven on stairs, called al-mirqat, in which one step is made of gold and the next of silver, and so on. These stairs are veiled from us. The Prophet ascended these stairs until he reached the first heaven. When the Prophet and Jibril arrived at the first heaven, Jibril requested the gate to be opened. The angel assigned to that gate asked Jibril, “Who is with you?” Jibril answered, “It is Muhammad.” The angel asked Jibril, “Was he dispatched? Is it time for him to ascend to the heaven?” Jibril said, “Yes.” So, the gate was opened for him, and Prophet Muhammad entered the first heaven.

There, Prophet Muhammad saw Prophet Adam.

To Adam’s right, the Prophet saw some bodies, and to Adam’s left, other bodies. If Adam would look to his right he would laugh, and if he would look to his left he would cry. Adam was seeing the souls of his descendants. Those on his right were his descendants who would die as believers and those on his left were his descendants who would die as non-believers.

Then the Prophet ascended to the second heaven. In this second heaven was where Prophet Muhammad saw Prophets ^Isa and

Yahya. ^Isa and Yahya are cousins; their mothers were sisters. They welcomed the Prophet and made supplication (du^a’) for him for good things. The Prophet ascended to the third heaven, where he found Prophet Yusuf. Prophet Yusuf was extremely handsome. Allah bestowed half the beauty on Yusuf. Yusuf received the Prophet with a warm welcome and made supplication (du^a’) for him for good things.

Then the Prophet ascended to the fourth heaven, where he found Prophet Idris. Idris welcomed the Prophet and made supplication (du^a’) for him for good things. In the fifth heaven, the Prophet encountered Harun, the brother of Prophet Musa. In the sixth heaven, he encountered Prophet Musa. Each of these Prophets received Prophet Muhammad with a warm welcome and made supplication (du^a’)’) for him for good things.

Then the Prophet ascended to the seventh heaven, and that is where our Messenger saw Prophet Ibrahim. Prophet Ibrahim is the best of the prophets after our prophet, Muhammad. The Prophet saw Prophet Ibrahim with his back against al-Bayt al-Ma^mur. To the inhabitants of the skies, al-Bayt al-Ma^mur is like the Ka^bah is to us, the inhabitants of the earth. Every day 70,000 angels go there; then exit from it, and never return. The next day another 70,000 angels go, come out, and never return. This will continue until the Day of Judgment. In this, there is an indication as to the greatness of the numbers of the angels–their numbers are far more than the numbers of the humans and the jinns together.

In the seventh heaven, Prophet Muhammad saw Sidrat al-Muntaha–a very big tree of sidr. Each of the fruits of this tree is as large as a big jar.

The leaves of this tree are similar to the ears of the elephants. Sidrat al-Muntahais an extremely beautiful tree. It is visited by butterflies made of gold. When these butterflies gather on this tree, its beauty is beyond description.

Then the Prophet ascended to what is beyond the seven skies; he entered Paradise. He saw examples of the inhabitants of Paradise and how their situation would be. He saw most of the inhabitants of Paradise are the poor people.

The Prophet saw other things on the night of his ascension. He saw Malik, the angel in charge of the Hellfire. Malik did not smile at the Prophet when he saw him, and the Prophet asked why.

In answer to the Prophet’s question, Jibril said, “Malik did not smile since the day Allah created him. Had he smiled for anyone, he would have smiled for you.”

In Paradise, the Prophet saw some of the bounties Allah prepared for the inhabitants of Paradise. He saw the Hur ul-^In: females Allah created who are not humans or jinn. They are in Paradise and will be married to those men Allah willed them to marry.

The Prophet saw the wildan ul-mukhalladun: creations of Allah who are not human, jinn, or angels. They are a very beautiful creation of Allah whose appearance is like laid-out pearls.

They are servants of the inhabitants of Paradise.

The least in status of the People of Paradise will have 10,000 wildan ul-mukhalladun to serve him. Each one of them would carry a tray of gold in one hand and a tray of silver in the other hand.

The Prophet saw the Throne (^Arsh), which is the ceiling of Paradise. The Throne is the largest creation of Allah in size; Allah did not create anything bigger in size than it. The seven heavens and the earth in comparison to the Kursiyy, are like a ring thrown in a desert, and the Kursiyy in comparison to the Throne, is like a ring thrown in a desert. The seven heavens and the earth in comparison to the Throne are like a seed of mustard compared to the ocean. Allah created the Throne as a sign of His Power and He did not create the Throne to sit on it.

Allah created the Throne to show His Power. It is carried by four angels, and on the Day of Judgment, it will be carried by eight. The Prophet said he was permitted to speak about one of these angels who carry the Throne. In describing this angel, the Prophet told us the distance between his ear lobe and shoulder is the distance a fast-flying bird would cover in 700 years.

Then the Prophet ascended beyond Paradise. He reached a place where he heard the creaking of the pens used by the angels who are copying from the Preserved Tablet. It is at that location Prophet Muhammad heard the Kalam of Allah, which is an attribute of the Self of Allah. He heard the Kalam of Allah which does not resemble our speech–so it is not something that occurs bit after bit. It is not letter after letter or a word that comes after another word. Rather, it is an attribute of Allah which is eternal and everlasting.

It does not resemble our attributes. The Kalam of Allah has neither silence nor interruptions. It is an attribute of Allah, and it does not resemble the attributes of the creation.

The Prophet understood several things from hearing this Kalam of Allah. He understood the

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obligation of the five Obligatory Prayers. At first, Allah obligated fifty prayers. When Prophet Muhammad encountered Musa, Musa told him to make supplication (du^a’) to his Lord to ease the obligation of fifty (50) prayers, because his nation could not handle that. Musa said, “I have experience with the people of Israel, and I know your nation cannot bear that.” So the Prophet asked his Lord to lessen these prayers for his people. Five prayers were eliminated. Once again, Musa told the Prophet to ask Allah to lessen the number of prayers. Allah did. Nine times the Prophet made supplication to Allah to lessen these prayers–until these prayers were lessened to five Obligatory Prayers. So Prophet Musa was a great benefit to us. Had we been obligated to pray fifty prayers a day, this would have been a difficult matter for us.

From the Kalam of Allah, the Prophet also understood that a good deed would be written for the person who intends to do a good deed, even if he did not do it. Also, the good deed performed would be registered for he who performs it as at least ten good deeds–up to 700 good deeds. For some people, Allah would multiply the reward of their deeds more than that. Additionally, if one performs a bad deed, it is registered for him as one bad deed; yet for he who inclines towards committing a bad deed and then refrains from committing it, a good deed would be registered for him. Here one should note the difference between two matters. If a thought crossed a person’s mind about doing something sinful, and this person wavered in this thinking, i.e., considered whether he should do it or not, then he refrained from doing this for the sake of Allah, this is written as a good deed. However, if a person has the firm intention in his heart that he wants to commit a sin, it would be written for him as a sin, even if he does not do it.

The Prophet Returns to Makkah After all these matters took place with the Prophet, he returned to the city of Makkah.

Some scholars said the Prophet’s journey took about one-third of the night, i.e., his journey from Makkah to Jerusalem, then to the heavens and what is above them, and then back to Makkah the next day the Prophet told the people what happened to him the previous night. The blasphemers belied the Prophet and mocked him, saying, “We need a month to get there and back, and you are claiming to have done all this in one night?” They said to Abu Bakr, “Look at what your companion is saying. He says he went to Jerusalem and came back in one night.” Abu Bakr told them, “If he said that, then he is truthful. I believe him concerning the news of the heavens–that an angel descends to him from the heavens. How could I not believe he went to Jerusalem and came back in a short period of time–when these are on earth?” At that, the Companion, Abu Bakr, was called “as-Siddiq”– because of how strongly he believed in all what the Prophet said.

The blasphemous people questioned the Prophet: “If you are truthful, then describe to us Masjid al-Aqsa and its surroundings.” They asked this because they knew Prophet Muhammad had never been there before the previous night. Allah enabled the Messenger to see Masjid al-Aqsa, and he described the masjid and its surroundings in exact detail. Moreover, the Prophet said, “On my way back, I saw some of your shepherds grazing their animals in a particular location. They were searching for a camel they had lost.” The Prophet continued by giving the description of the camel. When these shepherds came back, they told their people what happened to them–precisely as the Prophet had already told them.

These blasphemers admitted the Prophet’s description was exact. Despite that, they were still stubborn and rejected the faith. They did not accept Islam. Only those whom Allah willed to be guided, will be guided. The person whom Allah did not will to be guided, will not believe–regardless of how much explanation or how many proofs he is shown. The person whom Allah willed to be guided, surely he will be a believer.

Many people witnessed miracles and still did not believe. Many people witnessed the miracle of the Prophet’s splitting of the moon. Those who refused to embrace Islam said, “This is magic.

Muhammad played a magic trick on our eyes.”

They even asked the people of a faraway land who witnessed the moon split in two. Despite this, they still did not believe. They said, “The magic of Muhammad is powerful; it even reached the faraway lands!” This was their response to witnessing a miracle–instead of believing and becoming Muslims.

We ask Allah that we would all die as Muslims.

We ask Allah to bestow on us the bounty of entering Paradise without torture.

And Allah knows best.

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, April, 2017 — 33

Jerusalem…The City of Peace Key Scripture: Pray for the peace in Jerusalem, May all who love this city prosper. O Jerusalem, may there be peace within your walls and prosperity in your places. - Psalm 122:6-7

DEAR reader, Do you need more peace in your life? Do need more godly prosperity in your work and family life?

We have a good news, you can discover from God’s word that how you can receive and retain peace and prosperity from this life to eternity. When you understand and learn to pray according to God’s will for Jerusalem, God promises His perfect peace which includes health, justice, protection and provision. Real peace can only come from faith in God. Because God alone embodies all the characteristics of peace.

United Nations (UN) has been formed to stop wars and promote world peace. But it has not been successful to achieve this vision. We need UN with supernatural intervention to bring world peace. That intervention can come only through believing and praying according to the Psalm 122 and other promises written in the Holy Bible.

Along with my family, we were blessed to visit and experience life changing truth from

the Holy Land of Israel. The capital city of Israel is Jerusalem, but it is also known as capital city of the world because of its significant history and its glorious future. You can see our trip video clips by visiting following website. https://www.facebook.com/anilkantindia The history teaches that Jesus was born in Bethelhem which is few kilometres from Jerusalem and was crucified just outside this city. Jesus died for the sins of every person on this world. But we also know that the Holy Bible says, Jesus rose from the grave by the supernatural power of God. When we confess that Jesus paid the ransom for our sins by becoming the sacrificial lamb of God; and He defeated the death and the devil. Dear friends, when you believe this truth in your heart and confess this truth with your mouth sincerely, you make peace with God and you are reconciled to your Creator.

Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Queensland Inc

The meaning of “Om” Jitendra Deo President APSQ

OMKAR is a religious symbol of the Hindus.

But it is omnipresent in almost all the major cultures of our world. Another way of saying Om is Aum. Aum is the sound of the infinite.

Aum is said to be the essence of all mantras and Vedas, the highest of all mantras or divine word. By sound and form, AUM symbolizes the infinite Brahman and the entire universe.

A stands for Creation.

U stands for Preservation.

And finally M stands for Destruction or dissolution.

This represents the Trinity of God in Hindu dharma (Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva).

The three portions of AUM relate to the states of waking, dream and deep sleep and the three guans (rajas, satva, tamas). The three letters also indicate three planes of existence, heaven, earth and the netherworld.

AUM can represent all the words produced by the human vocal organ. A is produced by the throat, U & M by the lips. In the Vedas, AUM is the sound of the Sun, the sound of Light. It is the sound of assent. It has an upward movement and uplifts the soul, as the sound of the divine eagle or falcon.

The pronunciation of the word "OM" is supposed to symbolize the totality of all sounds as it includes all other sounds that humans can utter. This idea of totality also exists in the English word "Omnipresent" that includes OM as its prefix. We also have words like Omnipotent and Omniscient, all of which have the concept of totality in their meanings.

The ancient Greek alphabet had Omega as its last letter. Omega written in the lower case 34 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, April, 2017

of the Greek alphabet, if turned to its side, looks quite similar to the Sanskrit way of writing Om. It is from the Greek alphabet "Omega" that we have the English phrase "the alpha and Omega", which means, "to include everything". It is said that the word Om has been used to make other words. The Christian term "Amen" is said to have some link with "Om" as also the Islamic term "Amin". Both of these terms are similar to Om Of all the mantras, the most powerful and the significant one is the single-syllabled incantation called the Pranava. This is the OM. The available literature upon the significances of the Vedic mantra is almost voluminous. Nowhere in the world can we meet with a more sacred symbol that has got such a vast amount of significance.

From Vedic times until the present day the word 'OM' has been taken as a symbol and as an aid to meditation by spiritual aspirants.

It is accepted both as one with 'Brahman' and as the medium, the Logos, connecting man and God. The entire history of the syllable is in the revelations of the Vedas and in the declarations of the Upanishads.

The very central theme of the Mandukya Upanishad is the syllable OM through which the mystery of Brahman is gathered to a point. The text of this Upanishad first treats OM in terms of the Upanishadic doctrine of the three states of waking, dream, and deep sleep, but then passes on to the 'fourth' (turiya), thus transporting us beyond the typical Upanishadic sphere into that of the later 'classic Advaita Vedanta'. Speaking of OM, the Taittiriya Upanishad says: "Thou art the sheath of Brahman.' That is, OM is the container for the Supreme and, therefore, invoking OM is invoking the Supreme.

Please contact Jitendra Deo 3273 3029 or Hari Chand 33454716 for information on activities of Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Queensland or log on: www.aryasamajqueensland.com

Your heart will bear a true witness. Then, something like new and fresh life has begin to take shape inside you.

It is as a simple as it sounds. Because God is not complicated. We make God complicated by blindly following our customs and traditions. Because God loves us, He has made way for to come to Him through Jesus

Christ. Our re-sponse is to test the validity of the Holy Bible by reading it for your self.

I have tested this truth over 20 years and has found along with millions around the world that The Holy Bible is the inspired word of God and totally trust worthy.

Jerusalem means “The city of Peace”. The intention of God is that Jerusalem can be model city where all the nations can blessed to dwell in peace. We pray that you will search and seek for the peace and experience an abundant life.

Pray, Dear God I believe that Jesus died for my sins and curses on the cross. I ask you to forgive my sins and make me a new person.

Fill me with your peace and prosperity. Help me to grow in the knowledge and wisdom to make this world a better place like heaven on earth. Amen.

Email to help you connect with Christ: navig8grace@gmail.com

It is never too late to start again

Pastor Joseph Dass

DEAR reader, it is our joy to bring to you the word of God. We all face times in our life when we have to start something new or start all over again. Often the fear of failing again or not having enough time to go through it again can hold us back. Good news is God has a wonderful plan for your life and regardless of where you are today, His plan remains.

In the scriptures we read of Noah (Genesis 8) who was instructed by God to make a boat big enough to save his family and livestock due to a flood that was coming. After staying in it for a year, it was time for Noah to step out of the boat and start again. Since no one living on earth had survived the flood, Noah was stepping out into the unknown. Noah probably wondered how this new world would look like. Having lived in a boat that he had made, thoughts of uncertainty, anxiety, fear probably crossed his mind. Just like Noah you too can develop a box mentality.

On his part Noah opened the window, he had to let go of some birds, step out of the boat in obedience to God’s word, prepare some animals and birds then do a sacrifice in worship to God. There are times you too can feel like living in a box. Now you think you are past your age, what you once thought you could accomplish has now slipped away. All you look for is a life of comfort, where you don’t have to go through suffering and pain. But this is not the way to accomplish anything and reach your destiny. In the scriptures we read that it is not comfortable living but suffering

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that produces perseverance, character and hope. Good news is you can start again.

Here are 5 things you can do to step out of your box and start again.

- Do not have a mindset there is nothing for you to accomplish and all the windows are permanently shut, where you limit yourself and limit what God can do for you. Where you remain bound to your past disappointments and failures. Where you limit yourself due to age, gender, education, resources etc.

Noah opened the window of his boat. You too have a window that you can open today and start looking again. Your window could be someone you knew in the past or a skill/talent you have.

- Do not look at the world through a mirror.

All you going to see is yourself and your past. There are opportunities all around you.

Just because you can’t see them does not mean they do not exist. Noah opened the window to look at the opportunities presented to him.

- Be willing to let go. Do not hold on to theories and decisions that are taking you nowhere. Keep a window open so you can throw things out. You cannot have a good start by holding on to unforgiveness, negative words, past hurts. The best you can do is to throw them out. Noah let go of a Raven and a dove through the window.

- Taking risks are part of your growth towards success. You cannot stay in the comfort of your boat and expect God to bless you. God told Noah to come out of the comfort of his boat into his future.

- God has to be in the lead to move you to start strong. Noah prepared and did a sacrifice of animals and birds. He killed flesh as a sign that God would lead him get started again towards his future. That he was willing to live by faith. The bible says, if we are led by the flesh we will head to disaster but being led by Spirit (God) leads to life and success.

God bless you. Ps Joseph Dass josephdass@optusnet.com.au Call 07 3865 6533

Health Beauty Wellbeing Lifestyle and Prepare your natural Home detox Fertility … cosmetics at home Does it Matter? VIBRANT Ayurveda Wellness practical exposure to Ayurvedic workshop (Brisbane) Centre will be holding this workshop on 13 May at their Gold Coast Centre, 1863 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads.

Dr Devini Ameratunga Watkins Medical Centre THE short answer is yes. What we eat, drink and how we live obviously impact on our bodies and therefore our ability to conceive and have children. And it is now well-recognised that it’s not just the woman that counts, but in fact there are significant effects on male fertility as well. However, with so much information out there and often so little time to implement change, let’s discuss the things that could really affect your chances of pregnancy.

Given that it takes approximately three months for the maturation of spermatozoa, and a similar amount of time for eggs to mature prior to ovulation, reproductive health today is reflected by health, diet and lifestyle choices made three months ago. There are some key areas that have been shown to impact reproductive health: Smoking Women who smoke have decreased fertility and pregnancy rates, fewer eggs, lower embryo transfer rates in IVF, increased miscarriages and live birth rates, reduced birth rates and higher pregnancy complications.

Men who smoke have a reduced sperm count and poor sperm morphology (quality).

Alcohol In women, alcohol consumption can decrease the number of eggs produced and increase the risk of miscarriage. Current Australian guidelines recommend avoiding alcohol whilst pregnant.

In men, studies have shown that even 1 beer per day can affect sperm and in turn lead to increased risk of miscarriage and decrease the chance of a live birth.

It is best to abstain from alcohol at least one month prior to undergoing fertility treatment and limit alcohol intake if trying for pregnancy naturally.

Caffeine Greater than 2 cups of standard coffees can increase the risk of miscarriage in men it can affect sperm motility and quality.

Weight Being significantly overweight or underweight has been clearly shown to negatively impact fertility rates, pregnancy and birth outcomes in both males and females. Women who are significantly overweight (for instance with a BMI over 30) have a poorer response to ovarian stimulation with decreased egg production and quality, decreased embryo quality, decreased pregnancy rate and increased miscarriage rate. In addition, there are also higher rates of maternal complications such as high blood pressure and diabetes in pregnancy.

Men who are significantly overweight may have decreased sperm count and quality.

Other Factors such as drugs, some prescribed medication and lubricants can affect sperm quality, decrease conception rates and increase miscarriage rates.

Exercise is another obvious factor that improve our general health and well-being and positively impact fertility and subsequent pregnancy. Sports Medicine Australia recently released evidence-based guidelines on exercise during pregnancy and the postpartum period that can be applied to fertility health, and can be accessed on their website.

Evidence shows that there are many healthy lifestyle choices that can help promote reproductive health and fertility. If you are thinking of becoming pregnant or you are concerned about the impact of your lifestyle choices on your fertility, see your health practitioner.

Call 07 3865 6533

THESE days almost all skincare and cosmetics contain chemicals that are potentially harmful to our bodies. Even the so-called “natural” cosmetics often contain ingredients that are deleterious to our skin and overall health.

But with a little knowledge and a practical application of ingredients from the kitchen and garden, we can create beautiful alternatives that will keep our skin healthy and glowing.

This workshop is a hands-on,

cosmetic making in your kitchen using common ingredients. We will learn how to prepare soap, shampoo and creams. Even though homemade natural cosmetics have a shorter shelf-life since they do not contain preservatives, you can assure yourself that your skin is receiving the best quality treatment on its journey to enhanced radiance.

The course is led by our experienced Dr Ram Mani Bhandari.

You will take home a sample of each item prepared on the day along with the recipes and procedures.

Details www.vibrantayurveda.com.au or refer to advert below.

VIBRANT Ayurveda Wellness Centre, Brisbane will hold the workshop on 23 April.

DETOXIFICATION (Panchakarma) in Ayurveda is one of the main therapies aimed at rejuvenating the body and harmonising the body and mind. Traditional Ayurveda recommends we cleanse and purify our bodies every change of season. With autumn just around the corner, it is time to consider this season’s detox.

The surest way to undertake an Ayurvedic detox is in the clinic with the expert guidance and care of qualified Ayurvedic doctors.

However, it is not always possi-

ble for everyone to attend the series of cleansing treatments in the clinic at every change of season.

Therefore we have created this workshop to teach you how to do your Ayurveda detox in the comfort of your own home.

Our experienced Ayurvedic doctor, Dr Ram Mani Bhandari, will share valuable advice about your body constitution, the techniques and stages of detoxification, and the physical, mental and emotional balancing you will achieve through following the home detox steps.

Details www.vibrantayurveda.com.au or refer to advert below.

We have a wide range of quality Ayurvedic herbal products and medicines from India's most renowned manufacturers Our team of highly qualified, experienced Ayurvedic doctors provide extremely effective holistic therapies to treat any health problem Our experienced therapists provide authentic Ayurvedic treatments such as Panchakarma, therapeutic massage, Shirodhara etc.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, April, 2017 — 35

Four ways you can Hepatitis B treatment help your kids deal with a natural disaster

By Fungisai Siggins

EVERY year, Queensland prepares for another storm season hoping for the best and preparing for the worst. We're a state that's been home to flooding, hail storms, cyclones, and other natural disasters that can result in property destruction, displacement, and loss of life. But even when we’re prepared for the physical effects of extreme weather, we’re not always prepared for the toll it takes on the thoughts and emotions of our youngest residents.

We all need support after a major disaster or loss, but it can be much harder on you when you're a young person who hasn't experienced a major disaster before and can't articulate your fears or concerns. Instead, these concerns manifest as sleep difficulties, nightmares, being hyper-alert for signs of danger, or by displaying behaviour often expected of younger children, in addition to the anxiety, irritability, and sadness usually displayed by adults.

For parents going through a natural disaster with their kids for the first time, the experience can be an additional source of worry.

The urge to protect your kids is strong, and there's a natural desire to protect them from the emotional aftermath just as much as the physical effects.

So if you're a parent going through a disaster with your kids for the first time, what is it that you should do? Here are four things worth keeping in mind, when it comes to building up your kid's emotional resilience after a natural disaster has occurred.

Look after your own mental health Hard as it may be, you need to think of your own mental health in the aftermath of a disaster like the oxygen masks on an airplane.

Just as it’s best to make sure your own mask is secure before helping someone else, you want to make sure you're managing your own feelings of fear and frustration before you can help your young person respond.

Acknowledge that a level of distress is natural after a disaster, and make sure you turn to other adults when you need to discuss your feelings rather than having these conversations with your children.

Aim to model calm and confidence when you're around your kids. Reassure them that while a natural disaster is dangerous, it is an infrequent, tragic event and that this sort of thing is extremely rare. Reassure them that the world is not always a dangerous place, and that things will return to normal once the disaster has passed.

Let your kids express their feelings It's normal for kids to feel some distress or shock after a natural disaster, but those feelings will normally resolve themselves over time. You want to give your kids the space to express any distress that their feeling, and it’s important you don't pretend that nothing has happened or shut down any conversation your child attempts to have about the event.

You do need to strike a balance here - talking too much about the event can be as problematic as talking about it too little. Try to avoid frequently taking your child's emotional temperature and asking if they're okay repeatedly, but let them know it's okay to discuss their feelings and take the time to normalise their response without dismissing or minimising them.

Put media coverage in context Disasters attract media coverage and ongoing conversations within the community, which 36 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, April, 2017

tends to last for days or even weeks after the event. To have the disaster as the focus of so much attention can be confusing, so you might want to take the opportunity put the ongoing interest in the disaster in context.

Take the time to let your kids know that natural disasters are rare, and the fact that they happen infrequently is why they attract so much attention. People are interested because it is out of the ordinary, not a regular occurrence.

Be prepared to answer questions and explain what's happened

It isn't always easy for young children to articulate their feelings, or understand the unpredictable and chaotic nature of natural disasters. Be prepared to answer questions about what has happened several times and provide ongoing opportunities to talk.

Find out what your kids already think they know before you start answering, and take the opportunity to correct any misinformation or misunderstandings. Sometimes the memories of disaster, or the playground chatter that follows, can create a far more frightening image than the reality.

When you do answer questions, be honest and stick to the facts. Use language that's appropriate to your children's age and development, and don't provide any more detail than they ask for.

Getting professional help For most children, the distress associated with a natural disaster will resolve with the passage of time, and your role as a parent is to watch for opportunities to talk and model the response you'd like your kids to have.

If you're concerned that any symptoms associated with their distress are not reducing, particularly around 2-3 months after things have returned to normal, seek out help.

Most children won't require psychological assistance to recover from shock and distress of a disaster, but if you're concerned that there might be a problem, help and information is available through a number of resources: • Headspace, Australia’s National Youth Mental Health Foundation, offers a factsheet about dealing with the aftermath of natural disasters. It's available online or at your nearest Headspace centre.

• Contact Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800) or Parentline (1300 301 300) to talk to a qualified councillor.

• Talk to your local GP Information in this post has been adapted from resources prepared by Dr Vanessa Cobham, Advanced Psychologist, Child and Youth Mental Health Service (CYMHS), Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service (CHQ HSS), Senior Lecturer University of Queensland. health.qld.gov.au

Is there a cure for chronic hepatitis B? No, currently there is no cure for chronic hepatitis B. Cure means to clear the virus from the body completely.

Is there treatment for chronic hepatitis B? Yes. Treatment aims to reduce the amount of virus in your body and prevent liver damage, cirrhosis or liver cancer.

What treatment is available?

Current treatment options for hepatitis B include: • Anti-viral medicines (Entecavir also called Baraclude, or Tenofovir also called Viread).

They are tablets taken every day to reduce the amount of virus in your body and reduce liver damage. There may be some side effects when taking anti-viral medication, such as headache and fatigue, but these side effects are usually very mild.

• Pegylated interferon - an injection which aims to boost your immune system to clear the hepatitis B virus from your body. Pegylated interferon is injected once a week for 48 weeks. Some side effects include flu-like symptoms, tiredness, muscle pain and mood swings.

New medicines continue to be developed for hepatitis B and you can ask your doctor for the latest treatment information.

Treatment is different for each patient.

Your doctor (a specialist or a GP trained in hepatitis B treatment) will use the treatment that best suits you.

Please Note: • Do not share your medicine with other people. The medicine works for you, but may harm others.

• Take medicines strictly according to your doctor’s advice.

• Continue your medication even if you don’t feel anything.

• If you stop taking your medicine your liver may be damaged.

• Continue with your medication even if your virus cannot be detected (is undetectable) after tests. Undetectable means the virus level is so low that it doesn’t show in your blood test, but it does not mean you have cleared the virus. If you stop, the hepatitis B virus may flare up again and damage your liver.

• You can only stop taking medication when your doctor tells you to do so.

Can I take herbal or other medicines?

• Talk to your doctor if you have been taking or plan to take any herbal or other medicines.

Other herbal medicines or other medicines may make your treatment ineffective or make your condition worse. Herbal medicine does not clear the Hepatitis B virus.

• Avoid liver detox.

• Avoid drugs like aspirin (such as Disprin), ibuprofen (such as Nurofen), naproxen (such as Naprosyn), diclofenac (such as Voltaren) and celecoxib (such as Celebrex). Please speak to your doctor about any over-thecounter medication you take or plan to take.

• Use Paracetamol at a reduced dose.

Do I need hepatitis B treatment?

Some people do, but many people do not.

However, everyone with chronic hepatitis B needs lifelong monitoring. Your doctor (a specialist or a GP trained in hepatitis B treatment) can tell you if you need medication after examining your regular check-up results. Whether you need medicine is based on a number of factors such as a high HBV DNA level, elevated liver function tests and marked fibrosis (liver scarring).

How do I access treatment if I need it?

If you need hepatitis B treatment, you have to have a doctor’s prescription. Prescriptions can be given by a specialist or a GP who has had hepatitis B treatment training.

How much does the treatment cost?

Hepatitis B medicine is heavily subsidised by the government. You only pay a small fee for Hepatitis B medicine if you have a Medicare or Healthcare card.

For more information and referral contact: ECCQ on (07) 3255 1540 Email: health@eccq.com.au / Website: www.eccq.com.au/health

Keeping healthy during disaster clean up CLEANING up after a weather event is an important step towards getting back to normal life. It’s important to take safety precautions to make sure that you stay fit and healthy while cleaning up so that you can continue to look after yourself, your loved ones and your community as best you can.

Keep emergency departments for emergencies only: During and after a natural disaster, hospitals and emergency services might be operating with limited capacity or looking after a large number of people who have been affected by the weather.

At this time, it’s especially important to only visit the emergency department at your hospital if you or someone you are caring for is seriously hurt or unwell. If your GP isn’t open, you can call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) for general health advice.

Be aware of food safety During a natural disaster, it’s possible that power will be lost or intermittent, which will impact your ability to keep food hot or cold.

If the power goes off, keep fridge and freezer doors closed as much as possible. Refrigerated food can be kept in a closed fridge for about four hours, and already frozen food in the freezer for 24 hours. Remember that the temperature of the fridge will rise more quickly if it is a very hot day.

If you are cooking food when the power goes out and you can’t finish cooking it within two hours, it needs to be thrown out.

If food is already cooked, eat it within two hours.

When it comes to food safety, always remember: if in doubt, throw it out.

Wear protective gear when cleaning up While cleaning up homes, businesses or public spaces, wear protective footwear and gloves to avoid being cut or scraped, especially if the area has been affected by floodwaters. Treat any cuts with antiseptic and

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cover with a protective dressing immediately.

Never walk through floodwaters, and don’t let children play in or around stormwater drains and creeks. Try to avoid contact with mud and dirt, and wash your hands with soap and water before eating and after touching pets that might have come into contact with water or soil.

Boil water until supplies are declared safe Boil or purify tap water for drinking and cooking until supplies are declared safe. You can also drink bottled water if you have stocked up, keeping in mind that tap water may remain unavailable or unsafe to drink for a number of days. Listen to advice from your local council Use ladders with caution If you are clearing debris from a roof or fixing damage, maintain extra caution with ladders and heights.

Always use ladders as specified in the manufacturer’s instructions. Watch out for powerlines when using ladders, and be aware that powerlines might have fallen. Never touch or attempt to move fallen powerlines.

Protect yourself from mosquito borne diseases Mosquitos carrying diseases will be more common after a natural disaster if there has been a lot of rain or water lying on the ground.

Protect yourself from bites by using insect repellent, wear long and loose clothing that is light in colour and use mosquito nets if possible when sleeping in a house where windows or screens have been damaged.

You can find more information about cleaning up after a natural disaster, including fact sheets in languages other than English, on the Queensland Government website www.qld.gov.au/community/disastersemergencies/cleaning-up/ Call 07 3865 6533

Health Beauty Wellbeing Enhance Your Beauty with amazing uses of Lemon Nimisha Modi Hetvi Hair & Beauty 0412 350 013

HEY Girls, all your beauty needs from scrubs, moisteners, foundations, face masks, hair (shampoos and conditioners), cheeks, eyes, lips - you name we have covered them all.

You can be benefited by suggested homemade recipes on your skin, hair or body. Doit-yourself natural remedies for skin and hair are getting positive reviews from the users.

These recipes do not use any chemicals, synthetic fragrance or colours, so they will not clog your skin pores or damage your skin and hair in any way.

Taking care of your whole body with natural ingredients will result in radiant, youthful skin and long, lustrous hair! Remember, your skin and hair need tender loving care. Use them and feel the difference!

Lemon is one ingredient that not only adds a delicious taste to cooking, it is also known for its properties in health and beauty. This food has properties that are astringent, disinfectant, and act as a natural lightener for hair and skin. They are also characterized by high contents in Vitamin C, antioxidants, and compounds that regulate acidity and promote fat elimination.

If you still don’t know the best beauty secrets that lemons have to offer, read below for a few of their uses, so you can get excited about their benefits and enjoy them.

They are good for skin: Lemon is a fantastic ally for skin, especially for people who suffer from oily skin. This ingredient, and its astringent properties, promote excess oil elim-

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ination and significantly improve skin’s appearance. That’s why it is important to keep in mind that lemon should be applied before going to bed, and under no circumstances should you expose yourself to sunlight. This could cause stains. It’s best to apply the treatment, and the next day, use sunscreen.

All you need to do is squeeze the lemon a bit and apply it directly to your face using a spray or a cotton ball.

Exfoliating Lips: There are a lot of factors that could affect lip health, making them look dry and cracked. In order to say goodbye to this problem, one good solution is to apply a bit of lemon juice to your lips before going to bed, and you will begin to notice the changes. This ingredients promotes hydration and eliminating dead skin cells.

Skin Lightening Mask: Mix together 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of cucumber juice, 1 tablespoon of tomato juice and 1 tablespoon of sandalwood paste to form a consistent paste. Apply this paste onto your skin, leaving it there for 15-20 minutes.

Rinse it off with water and moisturize.

Highlighted hair: This is one of lemon’s most well-known beauty uses, as it has been proven to produce good results. In order to lighten your hair and to make it shiny, apply lemon juice to your hair and expose it to the sun. With sun contact, the lemon will help lighten your hair, giving it light and golden highlights. It’s best to do this at least once a week for good results.

Fight blackheads: Lemons have astringent and antibacterial properties that promote the elimination of waste and excess oil on skin.

They are great allies for fighting annoying blackheads, because they promote the elimination of toxins and deeply clean the skin. At night, rub a bit of lemon on your skin and let

set for 10 minutes. Remove it with copious amounts of cold water. Remember not to use this treatment if you are going to be exposed to the sun.

Lemon Juice to get rid of Wrinkles: Mix together a few drops of lemon juice with a drop of almond oil and a teaspoon of honey to form a consistent thick solution. Apply this mixture on to your face leaving it there for about 15 minutes, and then rinse it off with cool water. You can also apply this mixture around your eyes to remove fine lines. But take care that it does not go into your eyes.

Fine lines and wrinkles removal is a slow process and will take time.

Improves marks: Acne, sun exposure, illnesses, diet, and other factors can all cause marks on skin, which aesthetically, do not look very good. One very effective way of improving and reducing the appearance of marks is to apply a bit of lemon juice to the affected area, allow working for 15 minutes, and washing off with cold water. Do this treatment at night, as sun exposure could cause adverse reactions.

Nail strengthened and whitener: Using chemicals, household chores, and a lot of other bad habits can cause nails to weaken and/or become stained. Lemon is a wonderful ally for fighting this problem, as it promotes the elimination of marks on nails, strengthening at the same time. All you need to do is combining a bit of lemon juice with two tablespoons of olive oil. Then apply to your nails.

For your armpits: Lemon can be an excellent ally for caring for armpit skin, as its properties act as a natural deodorant while at the same time clearing up the dark stains that usually form in this area of the body.

Lemon’s citric acid is responsible for killing

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bacteria that cause bad odours, so it can work as an emergency deodorant. In order to lighten you armpits, you should mix lemon juice with oatmeal and a little bit of honey; the resulting paste should be applied to your armpits, and allowed to work for 1 hour.

How Often To Use Lemon Juice?

Don’t get tempted to apply lemon juice mask or lemon juice alone directly onto your skin daily. Lemon juice has properties to dry out the skin, if applied daily. Limit its use to every other day or 3-4 applications in a week.

Tips to make sure before use of Lemon Juice: (i) Lemon juice is acidic and its application can dry out your skin, so moisturize your skin after its use. (ii) Add yogurt to lemon juice to make your own skin brightening and moisturizing mask. (iii) Don’t apply lemon juice onto the areas having open cuts, bruises, or wounds. The acid in the lemon juice will sting. Should this happen, wash the area with cool water. (iv) Never go out in the sun and avoid exposure to sun light with lemon juice on your skin. (v) If irritation, redness or dryness occurs then dilute the lemon juice with more water or discontinue its use on your skin. (vi) Lemon juice contains acid and its use can dry out your skin. Apply moisturizer after its use to keep your skin hydrated.

It is simple but effective way to use lemon to your advantage. Have a nice month ahead, enjoy and keep smiling. Nimisha

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, April, 2017 — 37

Thilliar Varnakulasingham: perpetual learner award THILLIAR Varnakulasingham is a Member of the World Education Research Association, Member of CCLP Worldwide and Fellow Chartered Educator. Besides having access to the United Nations and European Parliament, other privilege of being a Fellow Chartered Educator is that the UNECOSOC consultative status allows to register designated members for UN events.

Very stringent academic and professional qualifications, including at least a Master’s Degree in education and relevant work experience, are some of the requisites for fellowship.

He was elected a Fellow of the College of Preceptors (London) in 1993. The College of Preceptors was incorporated by Royal Charter in 1849. The fellowship is awarded to individuals who hold high academic qualifications or who have made a significant contribution to educational literature.

He was the recipient of “SENTHAMIL KALAI SEMMAL” (Great Scholar in Tamil) award at the International Research Conference held in New Delhi in 2008 for his contribution to Tamil Literature.

He is a Professional Member of the Chartered Institute of Linguistics (London). He is also a Member of the Royal Historical Society (UK) which is a learned society which received a Royal Charter in 1868. Relevant accredited degree level qualifications, besides work experience, are the minimum requirements to become members of the two professional institutions.

He was elected a Fellow of the Institute of Management Specialists in 1992. Besides his postgraduate degree, he holds diplomas in Project Management; Human Resources; Customer Service; Hospitality Management; Business Management and Entrepreneurship; Operations Management and

Astrology Aries - March 21 - April 20

No point getting fired up this month, Aries! It’s not going to work in your favour, on most occasions. At the beginning of the month, you are going to feel the intensity of the planets spinning backwards. This celestial phenomenon of planets being retrograde seldom augurs well. In fact, be prepared for being thrown off guard and confronting unstable emotions and feelings. You have Venus in retrograde mode reenter its Sign of exaltation Pisces in the 12th House, during first week of the month, informs Ganesha. Then you have Saturn turn retrograde around 6th of the month. With three important planets in retrograde mode, it will be wise not to harbour any plans of risks or push for progress, for the moment. To make matters worse, Mercury also turns retrograde, during second week. Definitely, not an ideal time to push projects ahead.

Perhaps, you should use this time to ponder and reflect.

Important Dates 11, 15, 17, 18, 20, 22, 23, 25, 26

Taurus - April 21 - May 22

It must be a wise man who said – ‘Being in control of your finances is a great stress reliever’. So, if you want to keep yourself anxiety-free in April, get your mind on your money, Taurus. With exalted Sun and Venus stationed in the 12th House from your Sign, your personal and incidental expenses are set to increase. Family matters may take centre-stage too.

According to your stars, extra expenses will creep in and squeeze you tight this month. Thus, get your spending under control. Make a simple budget. Identify your priorities about monetary requirements and execute due discrimination while paying out. Times don’t look rosy at present. Most favorable planet for your Sign Saturn turns retrograde, around mid of the first week.

Mercury turns retrograde, around the beginning of second week. Your only ray of hope may come from Mars that is posited in your Sign. It will work to keep you energized and ready for battle. However, do not assert yourself aggressively, during this phase. Important Dates 10, 11, 15, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28

Gemini - May 23 - Jun 21

Brush up on your accounting skills, Gemini. For April will make money and money matters paramount. You will be preoccupied with pushing ahead your financial prospects, primarily to provide for your family, children and make your life richer and more comfortable.

Venus in retrograde mode, reenters its Sign of exaltation the dual-natured watery Sign, Pisces, around 4th April. This may give an impetus to businessmen to enter into negotiation to clinch big ticket deal. However, a successful closure may get prolonged. Around this time, Saturn turns retrograde. Looks like there is trouble brewing for you here! You may just have to put your shoulder to the wheel and work hard to achieve desired re-

Workplace Safety and Health.

He was elected a Professional Coach of the International Coach Federation in 2010. He was elected an Associate Member of the Asian Track & Field Coaches’ Association in 1979. He was invited to attend a conference in New Delhi.

The theme was “Experiences of the Track & Field events from the Olympic Games of Montreal in 1976.” He holds a Diploma in Physical Education, Diploma in Coaching and Diploma in Outdoor Physical Education Studies, Sports and Recreation Management. He was the recipient of a prestigious award from John Paul II in 1993 for promoting sport nationally and internationally.

He is a Member of the: British Universities Film & Video Council; International University Theatre Association; World Poetry Movement, and International Screenwriters’ Association. Besides being a Life Member of the Poetry Society (India), he completed 65 short courses in film studies and theatre studies.

He is a Member of the: International Shakespeare Association; Society for Comparative Literature and the Arts; British Comparative Literature Association and Ancient Literature Society. He holds a Diploma in English Language and Literature and a Certificate in Literature Analysis.

He was nominated to the Massey University Council election in 2002. He received an Honorary Degree from ITU in 2016 for his overwhelming educational services globally. His biography is included in the Marquis Who’s Who in the World, 2015.

He is a Member of the: Royal Society for Public Health; New Zealand Institute of Chemistry; and Royal Society of New Zealand. Relevant accredited degree level qualifications, besides work experience, are the requisites to join the three professional societies.

RSPH is governed by a Royal Charter. The New Zealand Institute was changed to the Royal Society of New Zealand; a reference to the London based Royal Society, a move requiring Royal assent and subsequent Act of Parliament. Besides

being an RMP, he is a member of the Indian Medical Writers’ Association.

Besides being an Associate Member of LAWASIA, he holds qualifications in: Business and Legal Studies; Judicial Studies; and Legal Studies. He is qualified to apply for the District Court System in New Zealand.

He has created history by completing over 2010 short certificated courses from universities and institutions all over the world within a short period of three years.

His engineering experience in working as a facilitator on a part-time basis for Brunei Shell Petroleum Company Sdn Bhd and Brunei LNG Sdn Bhd had facilitated him to obtain many professional and academic qualifications in engineering and technology.

He was elected a: Graduate of Traffic Administration (UK 1980); Graduate of Transport Administration (UK 1981) and Member of the Institute of Petroleum (Lond1992).

He was elected: an Associate Member of IRTE (London 2006); an Associate Member of the Society of Engineers (2006); and a Member of the International Association of Engineers (2014).

He is an Immigrant Engineer of SIGIE (IPENZ) (2011) and an Advisor Member of the World Association of Technology Teachers. He is also a Member of the International Association of Facilitators.

He was elected a Fellow of the: Royal Society of Arts in 1971; Society of Commercial Teachers in 1979; British Society of Commerce in 1987; Faculty of Teachers in Commerce in 1983; and Institute of Business Administration in 1992.

RSA was granted a Royal Charter in 1857. The RSA Fellowship is an international community of achievers. Thilliar Varnakulasingham is a Life Fellow who has demonstrated exceptionally high achievements in many fields - archaeology, sociology, marketing, shipping management, freight forwarding, astronomy and cosmology, TOESL, economics and many others.

www.ganeshaspeaks.com sults. The slowdown will continue for a while, as close on the heels of Saturn, ruler of your Sign Mercury turns retrograde at the beginning of the second week. Important Dates 10, 15, 20, 21, 22, 25, 26, 29

Cancer - June 22 - July 22

At the beginning of the month, the exalted Sun in the 10th House from your Sign and Moon in its own Sign are good indicators of good times ahead. Progress and financial gains are likely. Nonetheless, Cancerians, brace yourself for April. You may encounter challenges and demanding situations with some inauspicious planetary changes taking place off and on through the month. While the beginning may be good, disappointments start piling up as the weeks roll by. The coming together of exalted Sun in the Tenth House and Moon in own Sign portends good times for you in terms of growth and financial gains. The 3rd, 4th and 6th of April may be lucky. As the month moves forward, with two new benefices, Venus and Saturn, in retrograde your stumbling blocks are going to be many. Your day to day activities may not unfold as desired.

Your plans may go awry. Your schedules may collapse unexpectedly. Important Dates 10, 12, 13, 15, 20, 21, 22, 25, 26, 29

Leo - July 23 - August 22

Be on your guard in April, Leo. It may not be a smooth cruise for you all through the month. There may be win-win situations, alongside hard knocks. So be forewarned, especially as far as relationships are concerned. Thankfully, the start is good. From 4th April, the lovely Venus enters that psychic, spiritual, intuitive watery Sign Pisces. Venus gets exalted in Pisces. This represents great growth and many exciting opportunities for you. Around midweek, wily Saturn turns retrograde. Saturn turning retrograde can slow down pace of work. You may need to work for extended hours to complete your assignments and meet deadlines. Finally, when you feel you have worked hard and want to move ahead, another hold-up happens with crafty Mercury turning retrograde. Emotions may run high now.

Important Dates 10, 11, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 25, 26, 29

Virgo - August 23 - October 22

April will be a mixed bag for you, Virgo.

There will be some good things, and a couple of bad things in store. While your finances will be satisfying and will get the smiles, your work life will be disheartening and cheerless.

Retrograde Venus exchanging Sign with Mars may hold your prospects of noticeable monetary gain.

But hold on. Dear Venus comes to your rescue.

Venus, moving in retrograde mode, reenters its Sign of exaltation, a dual natured watery Sign, Pisces, from around Tuesday to save the situation for you. You will remain in a strong financial situation with strong earnings and strong cash flow.

Handle matters related to money cautiously here,

recommends Ganesha. Lucky days are from 1020 of April.

Important Dates 10, 11, 14, 15, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29

Libra - September 23 - October 22

April will not be without its share of hitches and hiccups, dear Libra. So get ready to withstand some extra pressure, but also enjoy some fun rides, along the way. You start the week with enthusiasm and fervor, eager to optimize your time. But soon realize that all is not in your favour, nor in your control. While you toil to take one step ahead, you are hauled back two steps behind. What’s the deal? Well, according to the stars, there is some prickly issue brewing at your workplace with someone important.

This is stirring strong emotions and not letting you focus on the task at hand. Try to diffuse the tension in office tactfully, suggests Ganesha. Important Dates 10, 11, 15, 16, 19, 20, 21, 22, 25, 26, 29

Capricorn - December 23 - Jan 30

Remain cautious in April, Capricorns. The month will start with a certain amount of anxiety. All does not seem hunky dory in a confirmed relationship. You will be distracted and unable to express what is on your mind. It is Venus that will come to your rescue and clam your nerves as it becomes exalted by shifting into that psychic, intuitive dual natured watery Sign Pisces, points out Ganesha. You will now be able to weed out unnecessary thoughts and concentrate on relevant issues. But this phase will be short-lived.

Retrograde Saturn posited in the Twelfth House could lead to increase in personal and habitual expenses. Mark out priorities for monetary requirements and execute due discrimination while spending money.

Important Dates 10, 11, 15, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 26, 29

Aquarius - January 21 - Feb 19

Scorpio - October 23 - Nov 21

Challenges and adversities will dot April, but there will be good times too. Isn’t life always like that! At the beginning of April, your road to progress may seem strewn with stumbling blocks and impediments. This could be a trying time for you. Around Tuesday, dear Venus reenters its Sign of exaltation, dual natured watery Sign Pisces, in retrograde mode. Now Venus exchanges Sign with Jupiter posited in Libra. This change will work well in improving your financial position to some extent. Around midweek, ruler of your Sign Saturn turns retrograde. Mercury follows close on heels. Now it is good time to take a break, reevaluate and reexamine your past deeds and actions and draw up strategies for the way ahead.

Important Dates 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 20, 21, 22, 25, 26, 29

Sagittarius - November 22 - Dec 22

It is a long haul for you in April, dear Pisces. There is toil and tasks written for a good part of the month. Saturn posited in the Tenth House will make you realize that there is no substitute for hard work and labor if you wish to be in the forefront. Luckily, influence of Mars will provide necessary energy to work tirelessly for extensive hours. In the next one week, there will be three planets turning retrograde: Venus, Saturn and Mercury. These planetary kaleidoscopes play an important role in every life; these astral configurations carry mystic messages and force that dictate the events unfolding in our day to day existence and should not be glossed over. Important Dates 13, 14, 15, 17, 20, 21, 24, 26

Mars, the ruler of your Sign, shall be posited in direct opposition to your Sign, as the month begins. This influence will keep you energized and active on work front. Do keep your diplomacy and drive handy this month, dear Scorpio. You will need them in ample measures. On 4th, Venus reenters its Sign of exaltation, Pisces. If Venus in your Natal Chart is retrograde, this retrogression of exalted Venus will present encouraging opportunities for growth, forecasts Ganesha. The planetary alignment of luminescent Moon with Libra over the weekend can whip up intense emotions. You may be overcome by a strong desire to strike big and strike fast. However, Mercury turning retrograde may pull back the reigns and not let you gallop ahead.

Important Dates 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 25, 26, 29 Apply the carpenter thumb rule “Measure twice, cut once”, this month. April will see a strong emphasis on money, earnings and expenditure, Sagittarians. With wily Saturn and malefic Rahu occupying important house, you need to trade cautiously. Apply the carpenter thumb rule, ‘Measure twice, cut once’. You need to measure 3 or 4 times before speaking, taking orders, sending emails or bills to the customer. In the coming days, with two planets, Venus and Saturn, turning retrograde, handle matters related to finance carefully. Taking time off to manage your money better can be quite rewarding in the long run. Hence, keep a close watch on your accounts and budgets. Plan and strategize judiciously. At the beginning of the second week, you have Mercury also turning retrograde. This means emotions are going to run high.

Important Dates 10, 11, 17, 18, 20,21, 22, 25, 26, 29

Pisces - February 20 - March 20

Disclaimer: This is only a guide and is not directed towards any particular individual and the writer shall not be responsible for anything to do with the article content.

38 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, April, 2017

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Real Estate News Exit costs when refinancing whether or not you hold 20 REFINANCING can be a per cent of the original valugreat way to save money if ation of the property, you you believe you are paying may not if the property’s too much for your loan, but value has decreased and; there is more to it than just while LMI may not have finding a loan with a lower been a consideration at all in interest rate and making the the original loan, it may be change. Before making the switch, ensure the savings By Gagan Tandon - 0425 158 280 payable on the refinance. you could make outweigh Smartline Personal Mortgage Advisors Stamp duty the fees involved. Here are If your purpose for making the different exit costs to the switch is to increase your loan amount, consider: for example to fund renovations, then stamp Exit fee duty will apply only to the difference beAlthough loans taken out after 1 July 2011 tween the original loan amount and the refiare not subject to deferred establishment, or nanced loan amount. Different rules apply in exit, fees, those taken out prior may still be. different states, so it’s worth speaking to your Also known as ‘early termination’ or ‘early broker to see if this charge applies. discharge’ fees, they can sometimes be paid Other government charges by your new lender but are normally applied Fees are applied for the registration and to an early contract exit. deregistration of a mortgage so that all claims Establishment fee on a property can be checked by any future Also known as ‘application’, ‘up-front’ or buyers. Varying from state to state, these can ‘set-up’ fees, these cover the lender’s cost of potentially add up to $1000 or more. preparing the necessary documents for your Break fee new home loan. They are payable on most If you were on a fixed rate loan, your lender new loans, and the alternative to not paying is likely to charge you a fee for ‘breaking’ out this particular fee is being charged higher on- of the loan term. This fee varies depending going fees for the life of the loan. on the amount owed, the interest rate you Mortgage discharge fee were locked into, the current interest rate and Covering your early legal release from all the duration of your loan. mortgage obligations, this fee is not to be Although some of these fees can be negoticonfused with an exit fee. Also known as a ated by a broker, the total cost can be sub‘settlement’ or ‘termination’ fee, its purpose stantial. An MFAA accredited finance broker is to compensate your lender for the revenue can ensure that refinancing will help you it may lose due to the contract break. achieve your goals while maintaining your Lender’s mortgage insurance capacity to service the debt. A finance broker can also ensure you are only paying the rele(LMI) The non-transferrable premium means that if vant fees for your unique circumstance. you hold less than 20 per cent equity at the time of your refinance, you may have to pay For any further information contact us on LMI even if you paid it on the original loan. 0425 158 280 or email Extra care is also needed here because, gtandon@smartline.com.au

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, April, 2017 — 39

Real Estate News Beautiful Family Home with sparkling In Ground Pool

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Nothing is more costly to an Investment Portfolio than Property Manager turnover.

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www.globenetrealty.com.au THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, April, 2017 — 41

Real Estate News First homebuyers access to super not a radical idea GIVING first homebuyers access to their own money in a superannuation fund should not be a controversial idea, according to the Real Estate Institute of Australia.

“One of the biggest hurdles young people have in buying their first home is saving enough money for a deposit and the transaction costs. With rising house prices, the dream of owning a home is becoming difficult to attain," Malcolm Gunning, President of the Real Estate Institute of Australia said.

“Surveys show that not only are aspiring homebuyers saving for longer but are also using debt to meet their deposit requirement including personal loans and credit cards.

“With first homebuyers finding it increasingly difficult to enter the housing market, home ownership in Australia is declining after four decades of stable levels.

“Many young people already have a partial deposit, access to their super would make the difference but they aren’t allowed to make the decision to access what is after all their own money until they retire.

“Too much attention has been focused on the accumulation of a nest egg through superannuation at the expense of other more practical considerations which not only improve the quality of life at an earlier age but result in a greater retirement ‘nest egg’.

“Superannuation and home ownership are both components of a retiree’s ‘nest egg’ and not competing products. By buying earlier in life retirees have every prospect of having a higher equity on re-

tirement and a larger ‘nest egg’ on downsizing.

“It is nonsense to suggest that early access to superannuation for a home despot would undermine retirement savings and create new risks.

“Access to superannuation for the purchase of a first home could help reverse the trend of falling home ownership and address the looming social problem of large numbers of long-term renters aged 45 years and over remaining in the rental sector and possibly requiring rental support in later years.

“Accessing Super is not a radical idea.

The use of retirement savings for a first home purchase has already proven to be successful in Canada, New Zealand and Singapore.

“It is ironic that superannuation funds that invested in residential investment property have provided the best returns for their members over the last 20 years yet don’t want to see individuals investing in their superannuation contributions in real estate. What is the difference between investing in someone else’s home through your super funded and using your super contributions to invest in your own home?

“REIA believes in the benefits of continuing the high ownership level in Australia, particularly as the population ages, and strongly encourages the Government to help implement solutions that will assist aspiring first homebuyers.

“The Government should be applauded for considering a holistic approach to housing affordability which includes giving access to superannuation for first homebuyers,” Mr Gunning said. REIA

Brisbane property expert tips how much prices will rise in next 12 months Michelle Hele realestate.com.au BRISBANE house values are predicted to rise in the next 12 months between 5 per cent and 7.5 per cent, but unit values are tipped to take a dive.

The latest Capital Cities Market Outlook by analyst Michael Matusik puts the drop in unit values between 5 per cent and 2.5 per cent.

Mr Matusik said house price growth was being driven by supply and demand.

“So what you are seeing in Brisbane is an increase in the number of sales for detached housing and that has increased quite markedly in the last five years — nearly doubled — and that seems to be rising.

“Then you have got in concert with that, while it is not a rapid fall like in some other capital cities, you are seeing a decline in the number of houses listed for sale.’”

Mr Matusik said in 2010/2011 there was about 12 months supply of stock in the market, at the moment there was about six months worth.

“That doesn’t mean there is going to be rapid price growth,’’ he said.

“But demand is starting to outstrip supply for resale stock.’’

He thought that would be the case for the next 12 to 18 months.

As more owners think of cashing out of the Sydney market, Mr Matusik said buying in southeast Queensland would become more enticing.

“Brisbane’s demand will probably increase,’’ he said.

While the housing market was performing well Mr Matusik said the unit market was facing some issues.

“The problem with apartments is the opposite trend, sales are declining, supply — which isn’t as bad as many of the headlines would suggest — it is correct-

ing itself.

“There is no doubt there is a lot of supply and it is going through a correction phase.

“Generally, for apartments particularly, it is going to be weak for a year or two, all the indications suggest that is the case.’’

Mr Matusik tipped the unit rental market to also take a dive with rents down by up to 10 per cent.

House rents he predicts will rise up by 2.5 per cent.

Mr Matusik said the Brisbane market was still in recovery but it was a “mild, spasmodic’’ one.

He said there had been a recovery in transactions but not in price or rental growth.

“Good affordability, with some migration and investor interest, now, from interstate, could see things improve,’’ he said.

“But the lack of local job growth and the new apartment overhang is dampening our forecast.’’

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WHATÊS ON!

8 April 2017...

Singh Sabha Brisbane with support of New England College presents BRISBANE VAISAKHI MELA 2017 – 8am – 7pm at 80/120 Lamke Road, Taigum. Activities: Bhangra Gidha, Soccer, kabrodi, tug of war, volleyball, children activities, musical chairs, food stalls. For more details contact Parminder Singh 0411 239 307

Brisbane Sevens presents All Australian Badminton Tournament – 7:30am at PCYC, Cnr Mt Cotton Rd and Degen Rd, Capalaba.

For more details visit www.brisbane7.com/badminton or call Sibin 0422 202 877

Fiji Senior Citizens Assn. of Qld presents Fundraising Dinner Night in aid of Cyclone Debbie – 6pm-9:30pm at Fiji Seniors Centre, 24 Arnwood Street, Annerley. All proceeds will go towards the victims of cyclone Debbie disaster. $50 couple / $30 single. Children under 12 free. For more information contact Surendra 0413 004 100

6 - 18 April 2017...

Sri Selva Vinayakar Mahotsavam 2017 – Temple Management Committee invites all the devotees to this year’s Thiruvizha (Annual Festival 2017. Refer to page 50 for more details.

8 April 2017...

QTA Ugadi invites you to Ugadi, Easter & Sri Rama Navami Celebrations – 4:30pm start at Cooparoo Secondary College, Cnr Stanley Street East and Cavendish Road, Coorparoo.

11 April 2017...

Shree Vishnu Maya Mandir celebrates hanuman Jayanti – please refer to flyer page 47 for details

8 – 12th April 2017...

Yogas of the Geeta – FREE talks based on the Bhagavad Geeta by Swami Swaroopananda – refer to flyer top right

46 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, April, 2017

14-15 April 2017...

SHEN YUN – Experience a Divine Culture – Full details page 24

14-16 April 2017...

Yoga Meditation Retreat Easter 2017 – Join us at Lake Moogerah (1 hour from Brisbane) for 3 days and nights of bliss. Daily workshops, yoga, meditation, kirtans and recreational activities. In the evenings, group cultural programs and gathering will be the highlight. All foods served will be pure vegetarian with lots of fresh fruits and greens.

We encourage you to book early as we have limited spaces. Basic accommodation will be provided. For more information visit www.lotusashram.org or call 0412 278 808

AMMA AUSTRALIA TOUR April 2017...Melbourne / Sydney / Brisbane /

Gold Coast – Please refer to flyer page 48 for information.

15 April 2017...

Varnam Cultural Society Qld Inc – for information refer to page 49 for details

16 April 2017...

Spiritual talk on Hindu Sanathana Dharma with Srimad Swami Ghidananda Puri – 5:30pm to 8:30pm at North Lakes Community Centre, 10 The Corso, North Lakes. Organised by OHM Qld in association with Sri Ayyappa Seva Sangam Qld. For more details contact C. K. Unnikrishnan 0416 927 100

17 & 18 April 2017...

Brisbane presents Pastor Abraham Charles – Doors open 6:30pm for 7pm start at Citipointe Pine Rivers, 138 Old Gympie Road, Kallangur. Ps Abraham is highly anointed in Healing and deliverance with a prophet’s mantle. Many lives have been changed by God’s message. For more information contact Pravita on 0431 625 887 Continued page 48

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, April, 2017 — 47

WHATÊS ON!

22 April 2017...

MAQ invites you to Sangamam 2017 Vishnu n’ Easter celebration – Multicultural dance extravaganza & sumptuous Indian cuisine.

6pm at Sunnybank Performing Arts Centre (SunPAC). RSVP to maq@brisbanemalayalee.org

30 April 2017...

Natya Bollywood – American Mapillai coming Down Under – for information refer to page 51 for details

Islamic College of Brisbane – BIG AUTUMN FETE – From 11am – 8pm at 45 Acacia Rd, Karawatha. Auction / more rides! / fireworks spectacular! / entertainment / international food. Parking $10 includes free admission.

Walk in admission $2 per adult (under 16 free) All proceeds from this event go towards the New Upper Primary Playground.

4 May 2017...

Illuminate India presents Curry for a Cause – Help vulnerable children in India transition to adulthood with a bright future. 6:30pm at Mitchelton Presbyterian Church, 40 Ruby Rd, Mitchelton. 100% of proceeds will provide education, vocational education, career training, mentoring etc. To purchase tickets go to www.trybooking.com/orpt

6 May 2017...

Lanham May Fair – 1:30pm – 5:30pm at Sellheim St, Lanham Park, Grange. FREE event! Come along for an afternoon of fantastic food, community stalls and a ‘Movie in the Park’ commencing at 6:30pm

26 / 27 & 28 May 2017...

Brisbane Chapter – Vedanta Centre – 13th Annual Function – this year’s annual programme features dances by renowned troupe ‘Klassical Rhythms’ from Dubai in addition to music by children of Bala Sangha, classical dances by students of Eswaralaya Kalaikoodam and Nadanjali School of Dance.

Full details on flyer page 46

27 & 28 2017...

WHO Movie screening – please refer to page 31 for details

Continued from 46

19 August 2017...

GOPIO QLD – India Day Fair 2017 – Expressions of interest – sponsorship / performers / volunteers. Please contact President Usha Chandra 0419 775 416 / Secretary Pravnita Singh-Pillay 0449 067 865

16 September 2017...

Eswaralaya Kalaikoodam proudly presents “An evening of Indian Classical Dance” Bharatanatyam Concert – 6pm at St. John Anglican College, Forest Lake. For more information call Smt. Manga Surendran 0433 967 489 / email manga.suren@gmail.com or follow on Facebook Indian Classical Dance Brisbane

13 October 2017...

IABCA – India Australia Business & Community Awards – For information refer to flyer page 49 or visit www.iabca.com.au

Weekly Events...

Mondays…

Brahma Kumaris Australia – Meditation & Positive Thinking Sessions – Mondays 10.30am to 11.30am: Regular meditation should improve your ability to focus and think clearly. By practising mediations which cultivate our ability to sense and care for our natural energy we are able to live life with greater awareness and confidence. Each class includes guided meditations, discussions, short talks and the introduction and practice of techniques. Each session is a different topic. Meditation sessions Tuesdays 6.30pm to 7.30 pm and Sundays 5.30pm to 6.30pm. During these sessions there will be meditation commentaries, music and periods of silence. You can come and go at any time during these sessions. Venue: 27 Bordeaux Parade, Mermaid Waters. Please phone to register – 5575 2126.

Email goldcoast@au.brahmakumaris.org or visit www.brahmakumaris.org/au/whatson for more information Continued page 50

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, April, 2017 — 49

WHATÊS ON!

Brisbane Good Samaritan Prayer Fellowship (Malayam Service) – Congregation on every Sunday from 10am to 12pm at Stafford Scouts, 38 Appleby Road, Stafford, Qld 4053. For further information contact 0468 358 646 or 0411 269 322. Come and hear the message of your eternal life, GOD BLESS

Zi Za Dong Zen Association – Energy Healing to improve health and well beings – ZZDZ Assn. Inc is a not for profit charity foundation based in Brisbane. Focusing on energy healing named Qi Gong through meditation, it provides free energy healing sessions and guidance. Practicing Qi Gong will encourage you to achieve a positive outlook on life, by helping to reduce stress and calm your mind. It also increases vitality, enhances your immune system and helps to eliminate negative attitudes and behaviours. Session Times & Locations: Mondays-Thursday & Saturday 9am – 12pm at 10 Cognac Court, Calamvale. Thursday afternoon (except 1st week) 3.30pm – 6pm at Sunnybank Hills Shoppingtown Library. 67 Level 2, Cnr Calam & Compton Road. Friday afternoon 2pm5pm at Logan West Library – 69 Grand Plaza Drive, Brown Plains. For more information email zzdz.aus@gmail.com or visit www.zzdz.org.au

Wednesdays…

Brisbane Good Samaritan Prayer Fellowship (Malayam Service) – Cottage Meeting on every Wednesday from 6.30pm to 8pm at Stafford Scouts, 38 Appleby Road, Stafford, Qld 4053. For further information contact 0468 358 646 or 0411 269 322.

Come and hear the message of your eternal life, GOD BLESS

Thursdays…

Sai Baba Aarti Program – Every Thursday 7.30pm – Virginia State School, 1678 Sandgate Road, Virginia (next to Virginia Train Station) Aarti & Archana opportunity for all attendees, Prasad & Dinner provided.

Enquiries call 0405 392 793 / saibababrisbane@gmail.com / Like on Facebook www.facebook.com/SaiBabaBrisbane

Yoga in Daily Life – Discount Yoga Classes – every Thursday at 6pm and every Friday at 4.30pm, they are $10 for 1 hour and half, with relaxation, asanas, pranayam and meditation, at Yoga in Daily Life Brisbane Ashram. Also full moon meditation at 7.45pm – 8.30, every Purnima by Donation.

Yoga in Daily Life – 46 Doggett Street, Newstead Qld 4006. www.brisbane.yogaindailylife.org.au / brisbane@yogaindailylife.org

Sundays…

Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Qld Inc – Vedic Yaj (Havan) –The Sabha performs Havan Yaj every Sunday from 2-4pm at Queensland Vedic Cultural Centre, 198 Learoyd Rd, Willawong and the public is welcome to be part of it. The members of public now can perform Havan Yaj at the centre. The fee of $50 is required for use of centre facilities to cover operating costs. The Havan Kund, utensils are available for use as well The Havan ingredients can be supplied if you are unable to get them. Mango sticks, Ghee, Samagri, Chamfor etc is available at the centre as well for $25. The seating capacity of the Yajshalla (Havan Hall) is 100. Contact Vice President Mrs Sushila Pathik for further information and bookings on 3314 6059.

Contact Jitendra Deo 3263 1914 or Hari Chand 3345 4716 or visit www.aryasamajqueensland.com for further information.

Australian Pentecostal Assembly Brisbane – Sunday Worship every Sunday 9am11.30am at 84 The Community Place, 84 Kedron Park Road, Wooloowin Qld with Pastor Prakash Jacob. Cottage Meeting every Tuesday 7.30pm-9pm / Kids Bible Study every Friday 7pm-7.45pm / Intercessory Prayer every Friday 7.45-9pm. Worship in Hindi, English, Malayalam and other Indian Languages. For more information Phone 07 3315 5597 / 0413 347 562 or email info@apabrisbane.com.au / www.apabrisbane.com.au Brisbane Multinational Church Service –

Every Sunday 9.30am at 757 Gympie Road

50 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, April, 2017

Continued from 48 Lawnton. Come and join us for a great time of Praise and Worship plus inspired preaching of God’s word. We thrive for the presence of God and are passionate to see people be trained up and grow in the knowledge of the word of God. Special service time to pray for healing, deliverance and other spiritual needs. Enquiries 0424 1802 40.

Star Christian Church – Clontarf Beach State School Hall. Every Sunday – Morning Service at 9.30am. Evening Service at 5pm. Come fired up and expectant! Star Church is a great, young church located on the beautiful Redcliffe Peninsula. A Pentecostal community connected with the Australian Christian Churches. We passionately want God’s presence in our lives, desire to be trained and knowledgeable in His Word, hungry for the supernatural, excelling in our service and hospitable at life. For more information visit www.starchurch.org.au

Monthly Events...

Hindu Cultural Hub (HCB) at Clayfield – Monthly Cultural congregation – Bar-Jai Community Hall, 178 Alexandra Road, Clayfield Qld 4011. Pooja by Hindu Priest, Bajan and Kirtan by devotees, monthly religious updates / guest speakers on spiritual (or) yoga techniques. Prasatham with vegetarian dinner served. For more details contact 0469 016 416 or visit www.hinduculturalhub.org The John Oxley District Orchid Society – Meeting – We pride ourselves on being a friendly Society and new members and guests are always welcome at our meetings held on the second Wednesday of each month starting at 7.30pm. Venue is Oxley Bowls Club, 24-30 Englefield Road, Oxley.

Please contact Sonia Addison 3277 5825 or jodos-inc@hotmail.com for more information

The Gold Coast Hindu Cultural Association - Gold Coast Bhajan - monthly Bhajans held every third Friday of the month starting at 7.15am at the Helensvale Community Centre - 31 Discovery Rd, Helensvale. Activities include Bhajan recitals, short educational presentations and free vegetarian dinner. All are cordially invited to attend. For further information please contact Director/Religious Activities, Mr S Barataraj on 0417 588 839 or gchcan@gmail.com or visit www.goldcoasthindu.org

HINDU SOCIETY OF QLD INC. - 2017 CALENDER OF EVENTS

• 11/04/2017 - Hanuman Jayanti Celebration •16/07/2017 – Annual General Meeting at 10 am at Gayatri Mandir Hall • 08/08/2017 to 15/08/2017 – Shri Krishna Janam Ashtami Celebration • 07/08/2017 – Raksha Bandhan • 25/08/2017 – Ganesh Chaturthi • 07/09/2017 to 20/09/2017 – Pitr-Paksha • 21/09/2017 to 29/09/2017 – Navaratri (Durga Naomi) • 09/10/2017 – Karwa Chaoth • 14/10/2017 – Deepawali Celebrations(Venue to be advised) (Actual Day – 19 October 2017) OTHER FUNCTIONS PLANNED • 101 Hawan Yugna • Musical & Dance Night • Popular Antakshari Night

For more information visit www.hindusocietyqld.org or follow on Facebook: gayatrimandir.50

Organization of Hindu Malayalees Queensland (OHM Queensland) – Monthly Bhajans held every first Saturday of Malayalam calendar. Activities include Bhajans, Malayalam Class, Library service, religious short educational presentations, vegetarian dinner etc.

For further information please contact President Krishnan AK on 0418 727 570 or ohmqueensland@gmail.com

Shirdi Sai Sansthan Brisbane Ltd – Shirdi Saibaba Bhajans and Aaratis – last Saturday every month. 5.30pm at Runcorn Heights State School, 200 Nemies Road, Runcorn Qld 4113. Dhoop Aarati, Bhajans, Ashtotaram, Shej Aarati and Mahaprasad at 7.40pm. For more details contact 0416 813 747 or 0479 143 724 – visit www.shirdisaibrisbane.org or follow on facebook Shirdi sai baba Brisbane

Mata Amritananadamayi Centre- Brisbane: Regular Satsangs are held at 32 Burnside Crescent, Westlake on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month at 4 pm. Spiritual chanting, singing, reading and Arati are followed by a prasad meal. Sri Lalitha Sahasranamavali chanting takes place at the Sri Selva Vinayakar Kovil at South Maclean on the 3rd Sunday of each month at 10:30 am.

Register your interest for IAM Meditation courses. www.ammaaustralia.org.au; facebook: Amma Brisbane Satsang. Contact: brisbane@ammaaustralia.org.au; ph: 07 3715 8278 Sri Selva Vinayakar Koyil (Ganesha Temple) Brisbane (South Maclean) – For full list of upcoming events please visit www.sriselvavinayakar.org

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Bollywood & Entertainment

5,000 dancers to perform in Chennai on Tamil New Year ON April 14, Tamil New Year, 5,000 dancers from all over India and even from abroad, will gather in Chennai to attempt a feat with the hope of entering the Guinness Book Of World Records. The event, titled Bharatham 5000, will have these dancers staging a performance in front of an audience that will include eminent danseuse Padma Subrahmanyam, film personalities and other VIPs in the city.

"The performance will be choreographed by Adhirsta Balan, a Dindugal-based dance master, and will be approximately for 30 minutes. The dancers will be dancing to a musical piece that has been structured with 30 couplets (10 each from the three sections) taken from the Thirukkural," reveals V Lakshmanan, director of Lakshman-Shruti or-

chestra, who are behind this effort.

The participants, he adds, comprise professional dancers and also dance students. "We have provided them with a 26-minute DVD, which has the moves that Adhirsta Balan has choreographed. They are rehearsing the moves separately or in groups and will assemble in Chennai a day or two before this performance," he says.

The event will take place on a sprawling 50,000 sq ft ground at Vel's University, Pallavaram, and separate viewing galleries will be set up for the Guinness judges, the special guests, the press and the audience.

Each dancer will be dancing on a 4x4 sq ft mat that will be provided at the event.

"This is our way of taking this art form to our youngsters," signs off Lakshmanan.

Rajkummar Rao’s Lord Shiva-inspired poster for Behen Hogi Teri

WOH screening in Brisbane 27 & 28 May AUSTRALIA like many other developed countries has welcomed migrants from all walks of life to settle and lead a prosperous life here. Getting a permanent residency or citizenship is the first phase. Settling down is the next phase. Director of Hindi Film WOH, which has been filmed in Melbourne, believes that the greatest challenge for humanity is integration. It is far more challenging than the global warming.

In light of above Tri Avatar Productions, a film company owned by Deo and Kusum Narayan (pictured) of Melbourne, Australia, have decided to make a series of films with human values. Deo added that films were a very good medium for spreading messages in the community. Film WOH has a lot of social statements and values, which is bound to get the audience thinking about what can be done by ordinary people in the area of improving integration.

WOH, which has all the ingredients of a Bollywood film, has endeavored to highlight either explicitly or subtly the following: 1) The mission of Sathya Sai Baba – Unity of Faith teachings by Him – a Phenomenon that the world might have missed.

2) The great work by Commodore Bainimarama – A leader who deserves the Nobel Peace Prize.

3) Brahmans – a group of people who can bring peace and contentment in the world 4) Women – through their sacrifice can bring happiness to many others around them 5) People suffering from Alzheimer’s, Dementia and Autism - should not be left in isolation. They were once a part of our society.

6) Love happens – there are no bounds such as wealth, colour or religion.

7) Friends in Need – Are Friends in deed.

Review of WOH On the breakup of her marriage, Londonbased Costina (Taruna Arora) returns home to Melbourne and gets involved in rebuilding her father’s business. It is here that she learns of the huge positive contribution, which was made by Satyajeet (Vinay Chauhan), the ex-

52 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, April, 2017

A NEW poster for the romantic comedy Behen Hogi Teri shows actor Rajkummar Rao’s Lord Shiva-inspired look.

Actor Rajkummar Rao flaunts a look inspired by Lord Shiva on a new poster of the forthcoming film Behen Hogi Teri.

Explaining the look, Rajkummar told IANS: “My character Gattu works in this Jagran Mandali owned by Shruti’s (Hassan) character’s family in the film and Gattu plays Shiva in it.”

The poster, launched on social media on Tuesday 4 April, features the actor dressed up as the deity, and seated on a silver motorbike.

He sports a long mane, a moon crescent on his head, a rudraksh bracelet -- and he sits casually -- with a bored look on his face -atop a bike with slippers on his feet. The backdrop is of a street with shops with their shutters down.

Amul Vikas Mohan, the film’s producer, shared the poster on Twitter and captioned it: “The teaser poster for Behen Hogi Teri is here... Trailer out soon..”

The film is directed by Ajay K Pannalal. HT

After Indian Idol, Sonu Nigam takes a vacation, heads for the Himalayas Manager of her father’s immigration consultancy firm, in expanding the business and creating a great fun-loving team.

Costina is however surprised that though Satyajeet is the prime suspect for the murder of his Australian mother-in-law Margaret (Rosalind Holz), he continues to have a very loyal following amongst all the employees.

Intrigued, Costina explores more and learns that consequent to the murder of Margaret, Satyajeet has lost his mental balance and is lodged in a mental health facility. Costina tries to help Satyajeet to recover and solve the murder mystery. While doing so she gets closer to Sathyajeet. Close enough to fall in love with him.

However the story takes a different turn when Costina realizes that she still has feelings for her estranged husband. The story of Woh is also sprinkled with humor, romance, love, compassion, care and trust.

Is Sathyajeet charged for the murder of his mother in-law? Does Costina choose Sathayajeet over her husband? Does Sathayjeet survive the therapy? To find out the answers one has to watch WOH.

NOW that Indian Idol is over, singer Sonu Nigam, who was a judge on the show, has decided to take a break from work and go for a vacation in the Himalayas.

While the exact location has not been disclosed, Nigam will be staying at a place without mobile network, so that he can break away from the clutter.

“It has been a long time since I took a break, and that was all because of my hectic schedule. So I wanted to go on a short break and spend some quality time with myself, and the Himalayas just seems to be the perfect place

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for that,” says Nigam, who will head out this week.

The singer, who has performed hit tracks such as Abhi Mujhme Kahin, Main Agar Kahun, Sooraj Hua Madham, and Zoobi Doobi, has his itinerary set.

A source says, “Sonu now plans to go on a break. He is planning to stay at the foothills of the Himalaya to spend some time alone.

Sonu, who is a movie buff, will also catch up on the latest releases during his holiday. He wants to stay cut off from the hustle and bustle of his work and the city.”

HT Call 07 3865 6533

Bollywood & Entertainment Deepika Padukone’s advice on weight management: Don’t give up food, eat right

BOLLYWOOD actor Deepika Padukone says managing weight is not about giving up food.

“Managing weight is not about giving up food but eating right. This includes a nourishing breakfast and a daily regime of exercise to stay fit,” Deepika said in a statement to IANS. Deepika, who is associated with Kellogg’s India which introduced a new variant in its Kellogg’s Special K portfolio, is known for

her lean physique.

Giving a health tip to her fans, Deepika said: “Choose foods that are wholesome and nourishing.”

After making her Hollywood debut with the film xXx: Return of Xander Cage earlier this year, the actress is busy with Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s historic period drama Padmavati - which also stars her rumoured boyfriend Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor.

HT

MIND BLOWING FILMS: Noor releasing 21 April Phillauri Release Date: 21 April 2017 Starring: Sonakshi Sinha, Kannan Gill, Purab Kohli, Shibani Dandekar Language: Hindi (With English Subtitles) Production House: Abundantia Entertainment, T-Series Director: Sunhil Sippy Synopsis: Noor is a crime thriller comedy and an adaptation of author Saba Imtiaz's novel Karachi, You're Killing Me!

The film centers around a Pakistani journalist-writer who constantly struggles to juggle and find happiness through her work, love and personal life on a day-to-day basis. Her job as a journalist often includes turning up at spots where an explosion took place and thereby get a horrific view of the disaster.

As she is navigating her life through Mumbai, one day, Noor's life takes a dramatic turn when she comes across an eye-opening investigative news story.

For all the latest releases screening dates visit

www.mindblowingfilms.com Call 07 3865 6533

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, April, 2017 — 53

Sports News

• Sharleen with her Aunt and Uncle..

Indian girl wins gold in Queensland state Karate championship 10-year-old Sharleen Sraon has won a gold and a bronze medal. She is now training for the national championship in August

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By Shamsher Kainth SBS.com.au 22 MARCH, 2017: A 10-year-old girl of Indian-origin has won a gold medal and a bronze medal in two different events in Queensland State Karate Championship.

Weighting just 29 kg, Sharleen Sraon, won a gold medal in age 11, 39 kg weight category Kumite (fight). She won a bronze medal in Kata in children’s category.

By virtue of being the state champion in her weight category, Sharleen has now joined the Queensland state team and will begin training for the national championship. She is preparing to compete in three events in the national championship in the first week of August.

Her mother tells SBS Punjabi that Sharleen first tried Taekwondo when she was just three but didn’t like the sport.

“She always wanted to do something different, after she quit Taekwondo, she started doing Karate when she was 7 and at 9, she had a black belt,” said Mashika Sraon, Sharleen’s mother.

Her aim is to go to Olympics and compete around the world representing Australia. To fulfil that dream, Sharleen is training for three hours every day.

“She trains five days a week at her club and now because she will be competing at the nationals, she is training with the state team over the weekends,” says Mashika.

Sharleen’s father is a doctor and her mother sacrificed her career as a business analyst to let their children follow their dreams.

Mashika says Sharleen is an inspiration for

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her younger brother, Sahil who is following into his sister’s footsteps.

Sharleen is also very fond of skydiving. Though the minimum age for skydiving in Australia is 12, her mother told SBS Punjabi that the Australian Parachute Federation granted a special approval for her.

“This Sunday she is skydiving at Kira beach Gold Coast. Again for skydiving minimum age is 12. She is only 10. I had to get special approval for her to skydive from parachute federation,” says Mashika.

“She believes age is just a number. Anything is possible. Just like the minimum age to get the black belt is 14. She got it at 9. She weighs 29kg but fights in under 39kg and still wins gold. She is a skinny Indian girl.”

Her other interests include snorkelling, skating, swimming and bungee jumping. And she is excellent at studies too.

Call 07 3865 6533

Call 07 3865 6533

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